Coach: BRETT MANNING
Schedule:
9-3 – at Eisenhower
9-10 – vs. Lawton High
9-17 – at Enid
9-24 – vs. Duncan
10-1 – at El Reno
10-7 – vs. Southeast
10-15 – at Noble
10-21 – vs. Altus
10-29 – at Capitol Hill
11-5 – vs. Ardmore
Quick Hits:
Running back Isaiah Gray ran for 108 yards and scored three touchdowns in the Highlanders 46-40 win over Noble.
Lawton Mac ended a two-game losing streak to Ardmore by scoring 30 unanswered points in a 37-22 win over the Tigers. Mac leads the all-time series 26-21.
OFFENSE
After a 7-3 season a year ago, the MacArthur Highlanders have the experience to improve. In his twelfth season at Macarthur, head coach Brett Manning has the confidence that his team can play with anyone. “I like our kids and we have a lot coming back. I expect to be very competitive,” Manning said. On offense, the Highlanders have eight starters returning, including some experienced players that will all three get touches. Running back Isaiah Gray (5-11, 170, Sr.) looks to add to his touches from a season ago, and much the same with wide receiver Montez Edwards (5-9, 150, Sr.) and tight end Vaughn Poppe (6-3, 190, Sr.). With all three having field and starting experience, the Highlanders have their playmakers ready. Quarterback Gage Graham (6-0, 175, Jr.) is a name that people should keep their eyes on, having potential to have a very productive junior season. The offensive line brings back two players, Caden Tahbonemah (6-5, 290, Jr.) and Logan Vernon (6-2, 285, Sr.) who look to bring experience to the front line. Expect to see the Highlanders to run a two back formation based out of a spread. They will be looking to utilize both the run game and pass game, keeping defenses on their heels. In 2020, the Highlanders averaged an insane 37 points per game, and it is likely be similar in the upcoming season.
DEFENSE
Similar to their offense have the majority of their starters returning, the defense has seven returning. Based out of a 4-3 formation, the defense if very versatile while trying to give opposing teams different looks. Coach Manning has high hopes for linebacker Devin Bush (5-11, 225, Sr.), after previously standing out on both sides of the ball. Football runs in his family, with his dad playing for the University of Oklahoma. Bush is a three year starter for the Highlanders. Other returning starters on defense include defensive end Sam Sanders (6-0, 225, Sr.), defensive lineman Eperoni Taito (5-11, 245, Sr.), linebackers Poppe and Carlton Clarke (5-11, 180, Jr.), and Edwards will play the defensive end position. The Highlander defense gave up 24 points per game last year, but people can expect that number to decrease in 2021.
