MACARTHUR HIGHLANDERS
Coach: BRETT MANNING
SCHEDULE:
8-29 – vs. Elgin
9-6 – vs. Eisenhower
9-13 – at Lawton
9-20 – at Ponca City
10-4 – at Classen SAS
10-11 – vs. Duncan
10-18 – at Midwest City
10-25 – vs. Newcastle
11-1 – at Southeast
11-8 – vs. Bishop McGuinness
QUICK HITS:
The Highlanders take on Bishop McGuinness for the first time since 2005. The series began in 1974 with a 28-0 MacArthur win. Mac is a perfect 6-0 all-time against the Irish. MacArthur travels to Southeast on November 1st. The series began in 1980 and the Highlanders have won 17 of the 18 games. Southeast’s only win in the series was 1999. Lawton Mac faces Classen SAS on October 4th. It’s the first meeting between the teams since 1979 when the Highlanders won 55-0.
OFFENSE
The Highlanders had a solid season last season, outscoring their opponents by an average of two touchdowns. As they head into this new season, they will look to continue to play strong and physical on both sides of the ball. Head coach Brett Manning likes the makeup of his team and is ready to get the
season underway. “We have some experienced juniors and seniors back this season,” Manning said. “We are excited for this upcoming season.” Quarterback Aivan Locklin (6-0, 180, Jr.) will lead the offense. He has the ability to get the ball to his receivers or run it himself. Marquis Harris (5-10, 200, Sr.) will join him in the backfield, and he will look to find the open running lanes and get the big plays. The wide receiver duo of Josh Rushing (6-3, 185, Jr.) and Boux DeLong (5-10, 165, Sr.) will serve as key targets for Locklin to get the ball to. Joe Warner (6-2, 265, Sr.) and his fellow offensive linemen will work together to keep the defense out of the backfield.
DEFENSE
The Highlander defense will be tenacious at getting to the ball and keeping the opponent’s big plays to a minimum. Leading the charge will be free safety Adam Auston (6-2,190, Jr.). He is big and aggressive and is a strong force in the secondary. He has already received college offers from about 15 power five schools. Joining him in the secondary will be cornerbacks AJ Vaughn (6-0, 175, Sr.) and TreyWilliams (6-1, 190, Sr.). These three will work together to keep the offense out of the endzone as much as possible. Matt Steele (6-2,195, Sr.) and Trey Kibble (6-0, 230, Sr.) will be stationed at linebacker, keeping their heads on a swivel for the run or the pass. Up front, Shaun Hughes will anchor the defensive line and try to wreak havoc on his opponents. Assistant coaches for the Highlanders this season are Michael Pooschke, Mike Reffett, Leo Holmes, Colby Spears, Phil Dennis, Tala Fiailoa, Alex Orta, Walter Neil, Zach DeLong, and Cory Spears.
