MacArthur Highlanders
Coach: Brett Manning
10-3
MacArthur heads into the new season coming off a 10-3 campaign and is guided by longtime head coach Brett Manning, now in his 17th year at the school. The Highlanders know they have several spots to fill on both sides of the ball, but a productive offseason and spring have the coaching staff encouraged by the way new faces are stepping forward. With a tradition of competing at a high level, MacArthur is focused on blending returning leaders with emerging contributors to keep the program’s standards intact.
On offense, the Highlanders will lean on a physical ground game and stability up front as they break in new skill talent. Running back Conor Clabornis expected to be a key piece, bringing toughness and vision to a backfield that will be asked to set the tone. In the trenches, center Damien Mowatt anchors the line, providing leadership and communication at a critical spot as MacArthur works to establish a consistent push and protect its quarterback. The staff is eager to see how younger players respond as they compete for snaps around that core.
Defensively, MacArthur will once again emphasize team pursuit and physical play, building around experience in the secondary and defensive front. Safety Cam Manning returns as a leader on the back end, paired with Julian Watson, giving the Highlanders a tandem capable of supporting the run and defending the pass. Up front, Aidan Pena anchors the defensive line, working to disrupt blocking schemes and free up linebackers to make plays. With a combination of veteran presence and young athletes stepping into larger roles, MacArthur believes its defense can help the team stay in the hunt while the new offensive pieces settle in.
8-27 – vs. Weatherford
9-4 – vs. Eisenhower
9-11 – at Lawton
9-18 – at Booker T Washington
9-24 – vs. Elgin
10-2 – at Newcastle
10-8 – vs. Southeast
10-15 – at El Reno
10-23 – vs. Altus
10-30 – at Shawnee
To nominate a high school student for a feature in VYPE Magazine email a nomination to [email protected]
