Two teams hungry for their first victory of the season meet Friday in district play when the Highland Huskies travel to Stanwood to face the North Cedar Knights. Highland comes into the contest with an 0-3 record after losses to Wilton, Columbus and No. 1 East Buchanan by a combined 164-9 total. A week ago against the Beavers, the Huskies fell in Riverside 55-9 with sophomore quarterback Sage Hartley-Norman putting up 201 yards of total offense and engineering the team’s first touchdown of the season when he connected on a pass with senior Ethan Paisley. On the year, the Huskies are averaging three points per game while surrendering 55. Highland posts 171 yards per game, 130 of that on the ground. the Huskies rushing attack is led by Hartley-Norman with 27 carries for 147 yards. He is also seven of 24 through the air for 124 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions. His top target in the passing game is Paisley with four grabs for 90 yards and a score. Logan McFarland leads the Highland defense with 13 stops, three for loss. Tristin Richardson has a fumble recovery for Highland.

North Cedar is also 0-3 this year with losses to Pekin, Lisbon and Maquoketa Valley by a combined 140-12. A week ago, the Knights were on the wrong end of a 47-6 game in Packwood against the Panthers. They were outgained 364 to 56 in the game and were held to -17 rushing yards. The Knights touchdown came on special teams with a Nate Wood punt return. On the season, North Cedar is averaging four points per game and giving up 47. They post just 44 yards per game, 55 of that through the air, they average negative yards per night on the ground. Individual leaders include  Teagan Weber eight of 18 through the air for 87 yards and an interception. Peyton Clark has 19 carries for 47 yards on the ground. He’s also the top receiver with five catches for 125 yards and a touchdown. Nate Wood has 16 tackles to lead the defense. These two teams have split their last four meetings, with Highland beating the Knights 33-13 a year ago. This is the 2022 Homecoming game for North Cedar. Action starts Friday at 7p.m. at Doug Jackson Field in Stanwood.