Lake Highlands suffered a heart-breaking loss last week in double overtime to Jesuit High School, 49-42. However, the Wildcats don’t have time to dwell on that loss. This week, they face an even tougher task as they try to become the first school to be undefeated Skyline High School. If Lake Highlands falls again, its playoff hopes will be in serious jeopardy.
Skyline boasts an offense as high-powered as Jesuit but also has a quick and swarming defense to match. If Lake Highlands hopes to pull off the upset, they’ll have to capitalize on scoring opportunities and controlling the time of possession.
The Wildcats’ air attack came to life last week as quarterback Micheal Ketchmark passed for 154 yards and two touchdowns. Three different receivers caught touchdown passes and seven different receivers caught at least one pass. On the season, Ketchmark has completed 40 passes for 452 yards and two touchdowns. Lake Highlands' other quarterback, Trent Jones, has completed 28 passes for 428 yards and five touchdowns.
The running game was even more effective with running backs DeVonte Sunwenghan and Jacobi Johnson combining for over 220 yards on the ground. Sunwenghan carried the ball for 136 and two scores while Johnson had 91 yards and one touchdown. Overall, Johnson has outgained Sunwenghan in total yards, 566 and 494 respectively, but Sunwenghan has scored nine touchdowns while Johnson has recorded six.
The defense of the Wildcats was torched last week for 641 yards and seven touchdowns. The unit will have to contend with quarterback Devante Kincade, who has completed 91 passes for 1,821 yards and 22 touchdowns. His two leading receivers, RaShaad Samples and Thomas Johnson, have 814 and 518 receiving yards respectively. Samples has caught 11 touchdown passes and Johnson has seven. Kincade can also run the ball; on the season, he has scampered for 309 yards and seven touchdowns.
Skyline also has a strong backfield led by running back David Greene. Greene is averaging 10.7 yards per carry and on the season has marched down the field for 653 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The game will take place on Skyline's home turf of Forester Stadium and kick off is scheduled at 7:30 p.m.