The Highland Huskies take the field Friday for their annual Homecoming game when they host the Alburnett Pirates. The Huskies come into play with an 0-4 mark for the year after a 36-19 loss at North Cedar where they put up 271 total yards, 201 of that through the air, with a season best 19 points on the board, led by Sage Hartley-Norman’s 222 all-purpose yards and a touchdown on the ground. For the year, the Huskies are averaging 196 yards per night, 114 of that on the ground to go along with seven points while giving up 50. Hartley-Norman leads Highland with 493 all-purpose yards, 309 of that through the air. He has accounted for a pair of touchdowns with 34 carries and 18 of 47 passing with six interceptions. Ethan Paisley has caught eight passes for 158 yards and the lone Highland touchdown through the air. Logan McFarland leads the Dogs on defense with 13 tackles, three for loss and Tristan Richardson has a fumble recovery.

Alburnett comes into the game at 3-1. They suffered their first loss a week ago, dropping a tight 34-27 battle with No. 9 East Buchanan at home. The Pirates had 233 yards in the game, 215 of that through the air, but gave up a whopping 453 yards to the Bucs, including 428 on the ground. Mason Neighbor was an efficient 15 of 19 under center for a pair of touchdowns, one each to Carson Klostermann and Braydon Osborn. On the year, the Pirates score 26 points per game and give up 10. They average 244 yards per game, 170 of that through the air. Neighbor is 46 of 78 on the season for 681 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. His favorite target is Osborn with 13 catches for 166 yards and two scores. Klostermann is the leader on the ground with 68 carries for 256 yards and four touchdowns. He has 34 and a half tackles on defense, three for loss. The Pirates have forced seven turnovers this year. Alburnett is receiving votes in this week’s Associated Press top 10 Class A poll. These two teams have split their last six meetings including the Huskies getting a 21-0 win a year ago. The contest kicks off at 7p.m. Friday at Highland High School.