Highschool Team Preview: Highland Home
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Highland Home had a tough season in 2020, although they controlled the 2A Region well by going 5-1, they had an overall record of 7-6 featuring a first-round playoff loss. However, HC Will Pouncey has a lot of young talent…
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Continue ReadingHighland Home had a tough season in 2020, although they controlled the 2A Region well by going 5-1, they had an overall record of 7-6 featuring a first-round playoff loss. However, HC Will Pouncey has a lot of young talent to work with this fall and will have a great chance of repeating the success they have had in the past.
DEPARTURES
Owen McCullough- OL
McCullough was a key part of the Highland offense, paving the way in the run game for running back Tay Hall, and was dominant in pass protection for quarterback Nick Diaz as well. McCullough has a great size to him, being 6’4 and 280 pounds makes him a physical challenge for defensive linemen to overcome. McCullough is now enrolled at Hutchinson Community College and will be a great factor on their offensive line.
Bryce Betts- WR, S
It’s always hard to lose a weapon in the passing game. Betts was a very reliable receiver for his offense, consistently moving the chains and making clutch catches on important downs. Additionally, Betts also played SS on defense, where he was able to use the same skills to make interceptions. Betts has now enrolled at Huntingdon where he looks to make an immediate impact at the wide receiver position.
OFFENSE
Highland Home has a lot to work with this year on the offensive side of the ball. Nick Diaz is headed into his senior season with a great skill set. Diaz has proven to be mobile with his abilities to evade pressure and scramble, while also showing that he has good touch and accuracy as a passer. Kendarious Shepherd should be expected to have a breakout junior season as he is one of Diaz’s favorite targets. We discussed Shepherd in our article “Swiss Army Knives: Alabama ATHs!” and he is a clear threat in the passing game. His size at 6’2 190 and speed allow him to be a physical wide receiver that is very difficult to cover and bring down. In addition to him, running back Tay Hall will help open up the run game tremendously. Hall has great vision and instincts that allow him to cut through the second level with ease. Hall also has a good set of hands to compliment the passing game out of the backfield.
DEFENSE
Defensively, Highland Home has seemingly struck gold Faulk brothers. Keldric Faulk Keldric Faulk 6'4" | 235 lbs | DL Highland Home | 2023 State AL , 2023 DL prospect, has been getting attention from tons of Power 5 schools across the nation. At 6’4 235, Faulk is fantastic in both pass rush and stopping the run. His long arms allow him to slip by the offensive line, and his speed allows him to pursue and make tackles all around the field. His brother Jakaleb Faulk, will be a huge asset to the Squadron. As a 2025 OLB prospect, he currently stands at 6’2 200 and ran a 4.7 40 at camp this summer. It shouldn’t be a surprise to see this pair of brothers tear up opposing offenses this fall, there is a ton of talent between the two of them. In the secondary, Jacob Sankey, 2024 defensive back, is a great man-to-man corner, with a great set of hands that will only get better in his second year starting.
GAMES TO WATCH
8-20 Mapleville
Mapleville had a great season in 2020, going 10-4 with an undefeated 6-0 record in their region. Mapleville and Highland Home played last year in a week one matchup as well, with a close-fought battle that ended with a 28-20 score in Mapleville’s favor. Highland looks to open up their 2021 season with different results as they take on Mapleville again.
9-3 Calhoun
Last year, like many other teams, Calhoun had to cancel their season due to issues with COVID-19. Highland Home did not get the chance to play them last season but will host them in a week three matchup with hopes of obtaining a divisional win. Calhoun will have a lot to prove this year after missing the majority of last season and this will likely be a thrilling, hard-fought, divisional battle in the 2A region.
9-17 @ Luverne
Luverne and Highland Home have had a long-term rivalry that has spanned over 84 total games, with the most recent matchup being a Highland shut-out win with a final score of 27-0. The Flying Squadron looks to repeat against their rivals this fall in what should be an exciting matchup between the two rivals.