Highland football finishes season strong, moves to state tournament

Despite a few setbacks and injuries the Highland Rams managed to finish the season with a 6-3 record, which earned them a third place finish in region. Despite losing key players like quarterback Anthony “Fish” Smithson and Sione Houma early in the season, the Rams have persevered and fallen back on the principles they were taught early on.

“We are lucky to have such mentally tough kids on this team,” said coach Brody Benson. “Little stuff doesn’t affect them. They just keep rolling because they believe in the system we have been teaching them. Ten percent of life is what happens to you, the other 90 percent is how you react to it.”

Smithson suffered a leg injury during the second quarter when Highland took on Lone Peak on Sept. 9. Justin Weaver has been filling Smithson’s shoes since then and playing well, Benson said. Weaver has been strong on the offense and defense, rushing for more than 646 yards and earning eight touchdowns. He has also stepped up to be the team’s leader on the field.

“Justin has done a great job stepping in for Fish,” Benson said. “He has convinced the guys to play for each other and trust their teammates. It’s not easy to do but Justin has managed to exceed our expectations.”

Steven Nonu is another player who filled in for an injured teammate and did well for the Rams. He plays three positions on the team, full back, tight end and running back and competes at a high level at each position. Nonu, who filled in for an injured Sione Houma, is leading the team in big plays, Benson said.

Hayes Hicken remains one of Highland’s most versatile and consistent players. In addition to kicking, Hicken also plays wide receiver and defensive back. So far this season, Hicken has two touchdowns, 16 receptions for 314 yards and 21 tackles. Benson said Hicken does a little of everything and Highland will be relying on him a lot as the playoffs start in the end of October.

Highland had a good preseason, easily beating West, Provo and Cedar City. The game against Lone Peak was Highland’s first chance to test its skills against one of the top teams in 5A. In addition to losing Smithson during that game, Highland struggled against the Knights and suffered its first loss of the season, 56-41.

“I think the guys got a little complacent after the first three wins and Lone Peak took advantage of that,” Benson said.

The Rams easily defeated Clearfield in the first region game but when it came to meeting up against Bountiful on Sept. 23, it was a different story. Benson said as the game progressed, he saw doubt starting to creep into the players. The Braves annihilated Highland, ending the game with a score of 27-3.

Highland did well coming back from the Bountiful game, beating Woods Cross and Cypress. The last game of the season came against East with its undefeated record. The Rams fell to the Leopards 22-0, snapping Highland’s 117 game scoring record.

Despite the disappointing loss to region rival, the Rams have clinched a spot in the playoffs and have earned the opportunity to play for a back to back title. The road to the final game won’t be easy, especially against teams like East, Logan, Timpview, and Olympus, who finished region play undefeated.

“I like the way we match up against the other top teams in the state,” Benson said. “We play tough, physical football – it’s something we’ve always hung our hat on at Highland. If we continue to play that way, our opponents will have a tough time against us.”