The Highland football team had the turnaround of the year in Class A, going from 2-7 to an 8-3 playoff team in just one season. Change doesn’t usually come overnight in these types of situations, but one of this magnitude comes from the help of a lot of different people.

The Huskies had nine players named in one form or another to Class A district five’s all-district team. Two honorable mentions were given out to senior Jordan Sosa and junior Cael Yeggy. Sosa played both sides of the ball, serving as one of three running backs as well as a defensive back, where he hauled in one pick (which came in round one of the playoffs against Durant). Yeggy was a great defender for the Huskies, placing third in total tackles and second in tackles for loss and sacks. He also snagged one interception, which he returned for a 43-yard pick-six.

Three guys were named to the second team in juniors Cole Adamson, Zach Lasek and Mason McFarland. Adamson was a threat both offensively and defensively, serving as a running back and a linebacker. He was second on the team in rushing touchdowns and second in total tackles. Lasek was named as an offensive lineman, but also produced well as a defensive end by sacking opposing QBs three times, tied for the team lead. McFarland was the team’s leading receiver, and hauled in what some consider to be one of the best catch-and-runs seen on the high school level in recent memory in the playoffs against Durant.

There were three first-teamers as well in seniors Brody Burton, Brady Hahn and Corey Stewart. Burton and Stewart both served as defensive backs, and combined for five interceptions and four fumble recoveries. Stewart also saw some time at wide receiver, and Burton was the team’s kicker on top of his defensive play. Hahn was electric across the board all year long, leading the team in tackles and serving as captain of the defense, and spending some time at running back.

If you’ve gotten to this point, I’m guessing you think there’s a name missing… but to be frank, Trey Lasek didn’t deserve second or first team. In fact, he was a level above, earning himself the title of Offensive MVP. He certainly put up MVP numbers, being one of just two quarterbacks across the state in Class A to both rush and pass for 1,000 yards, and finishing second in Class A in total yards as a result. Oh, and on top of his offensive numbers, he was a menace at safety for opposing quarterbacks, finishing second in the state with six interceptions.

The Huskies will say goodbye to Lasek, Burton, Hahn, Stewart, Sosa and five other seniors, and bring back the remaining 23 players.