UPDATE: Highland’s sophomore quarterback Aaron McCormack delivered an impressive performance in his first varsity start, leading the Trojans to a decisive 28-13 victory over Whiting on September 1, 2023. McCormack ignited the field, throwing for 153 yards and securing two touchdowns, while also rushing for another score.
“I was a little nervous at first, but once I settled in, everything felt easy,” McCormack said post-game, reflecting on his first throw, a 64-yard touchdown to tight end Connor Harrington. His strong debut not only boosts his confidence but marks a significant turnaround for the Trojans, who improved to 1-1 after a tough season opener.
The team’s offensive strategy shone through as McCormack completed his first three passes, including a 35-yard touchdown to wide receiver Nathan Phillips. This performance follows a challenging initial outing where he completed only 2 of 8 passes for just 21 yards. Coach Ben Geffert praised McCormack’s composure, stating, “He’s calm, cool, and collected all the time. I’m extremely proud of him.”
Highland’s victory is a morale booster, especially considering it’s their first win since defeating Whiting in Week 2 of last season. The youthful team showcased resilience, with all four touchdowns scored by sophomores, underscoring their potential. Sophomore running back Landen Garrison also contributed significantly with 81 rushing yards and a touchdown. “It was great,” Garrison remarked on McCormack’s performance.
Whiting, now at 0-2, put up a tough fight under first-year coach Thomas Knight, with senior running back Demetrio Lopez rushing for 80 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore quarterback Julian Madrueno threw for 136 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown to senior wide receiver Berner Garcia.
As Highland prepares for their upcoming Northwest Crossroads Conference opener against Hanover Central on September 5, all eyes will be on McCormack and the Trojans to see if they can build on this momentum. The team’s mix of young talent and leadership is a promising sign for the season ahead.
With Highland’s youth proving their mettle under pressure, Coach Geffert emphasized the importance of their determination, stating, “They showed maturity and kept fighting regardless of what was in front of them.” The Trojans’ resilience and McCormack’s standout performance are sure to be a talking point as the season progresses.
Stay tuned for more updates on Highland’s journey as they seek to capitalize on this victory and continue to develop their promising roster.
