When special teams is a team's top performing unit for a game, it usually isn't a good sign for the team. Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened to Lake Highlands as it was routed by Rowlett High School, 53-14, on Friday night at Garland's H.B. Johnson Stadium.
The Wildcats struck first thanks to their special teams unit; Oscar Crosby returned a blocked field goal 65-yards for a touchdown to give Lake Highlands an early lead. The lead lasted about two minutes before Rowlett responded. First, the Eagles drove the length of the field but were forced to settle for a field goal. However, Rowlett's Grant Dotsy intercepted a pass from Lake Highlands' quarterback Micheal Ketchmark and returned it the length of the field for a touchdown.
And while the Lake Highlands offense couldn't get anything going all game, the Rowlett offense was humming on all cylinders. Running back Jalen Rhodes stole the show, rushing 18 times for 116 yards and four touchdowns. Quarterback Grant Bothun also pitched in with 11 completions for 107 yards and two touchdowns, one of which was to Rhodes.
Running back Jacobi Johnson was the Wildcats' best performer, rushing 13 times for 71 yards and the lone offensive touchdown. His running mate, DeVonte Sunwenghan, rushed 14 times but was contained to just 33 yards. Quarterback Micheal Ketchmark was unable to find his rhythm either, completing nine passes for 84 yards and two interceptions.
It was a disappointing finish for the Wildcats but the players and coaches can take pride in the fact that the team battled through an up and down regular season to make the playoffs and extend their season another game.