LAWTON MACARTHUR HIGHLANDERS

Coach: BRETT MANNING

6-5

OFFENSE

The Highlanders ended last season with an early first-round exit from the Class 5A playoffs. The year before they advanced to the semifinals and head coach Brett Manning is looking for big things from his team this season. “We have a lot of returning starters back this season,” Manning said. “We are hoping to build on our 2022 successes.” Running back Jeremy Hutchison (5-10, 210, Sr.) had an outstanding season a year ago with 1,600 rushing yards and is ready to have that same kind of production this season. Marquise Harris (5-9, 210, Jr.) will be another running back for the Highlanders. He racked up 700 yards on the ground this season but has worked hard in the offseason and is ready for a bigger role. A pair of receivers that will work to get open and haul in passes are Boux DeLong (5-9, 155, Jr.) and Josh Rushing (6-2, 185, So.). Two of the guys taking care of business on the front line will be center Joe Warner (6-1, 230, Jr.) and guard Chris Fiailoa (6-0, 255, Jr.).

DEFENSE

Leading the defense at linebacker this season is Braden Brown (6-0, 190, Sr.). As he starts his senior season, coach Manning says that he is not just a solid athlete, but also an all-around great kid. “Braden is a state champion wrestler who works hard and takes it upon himself to make sure that our younger players are treated with respect,” he said. “We have a special needs kid on our team that one of our older players got a little testy with and Braden shut it down fast. He does not say much, but when he does, everyone listens.” The secondary will be a focal point for the Highlanders. Cornerbacks Xavier Booth (5-11, 180, Sr.) and AJ Vaughn (6-0, 170, Jr.), free safety Dominic Collins (5-9, 155, Sr.), and strong safety Adam Auston (6-1, 185, So.) will work to keep opposing offenses scoring to a minimum. Assistant coaches for MacArthur this season are Michael Pooschke, Mike Reffett, Phil Dennis, Leo Holmes, Walter Neil, TJ Fiailoa, Alex Orta, and Colby Spears.

SCHEDULE

8-24 – vs. John Marshall

9-1 – at Eisenhower

9-8 – vs. Lawton High

9-22 – vs. Duncan

9-29 – at Altus

10-6 – vs. Ardmore

10-13 – at Midwest City

10-19 – vs. El Reno

10-27 – at Elgin

11-3 – vs. Noble