URGENT UPDATE: Highland Park football celebrates a triumphant start to the season, achieving their second consecutive victory with a 26-14 win over the Dayton Bulldogs on September 12, 2025. This marks a significant comeback for a program that has struggled in the past, having snapped a 51-game losing streak just last season.
The Owls showcased a dominant defensive performance in the second half, shutting out the Bulldogs after trailing by just one point at halftime. Head coach Shawn Harrison, a proud Highland Park graduate, expressed immense pride in his team and the support from the community. “It’s amazing,” Harrison said. “The crowd tonight shows our community and school have our back.”
In a thrilling opener at home, Highland Park’s defense made critical adjustments during halftime that stifled Dayton’s offensive momentum. After a rushing touchdown by Bulldog Adrian Bernknopf just before the half, the Owls shifted gears, forcing multiple turnovers and key mistakes from the opposition.
The Bulldogs’ penalties and a third interception of Bernknopf by sophomore linebacker Leo Dirks Amodeo early in the fourth quarter proved pivotal. “The game of football is all about adjustments, and our coaches did a great job,” Harrison noted, reflecting on the team’s turnaround after a rocky start.
Both teams exchanged turnovers in a tense first half, with Highland Park capitalizing on a takeaway to jump into the red zone. Junior quarterback Marcus Smith connected with Kosta Hantsoulis for a critical 47-yard gain, leading to a touchdown run by senior Kaseem Qualls. The Bulldogs responded swiftly with a 45-yard touchdown pass from Bernknopf to Aiden Delpeche, making it clear this was a battle to the finish.
With the score at 14-13 at halftime, the second half saw Highland Park take control. After another touchdown run from Smith, the Owls established a commanding lead that they would not relinquish. Smith completed the game with two rushing touchdowns, showing growing confidence as a first-year starter. “The offensive line did its job, and we handled business,” Smith said after the game.
As Highland Park continues to build momentum, the team is fostering a culture of victory that echoes its storied past. “Football is special to me. It’s incredible to see the kids experience what I went through at their age,” Harrison remarked, highlighting the emotional connection to the game.
Heading into their next match-up, the Owls are poised to maintain this winning streak and solidify their reputation as a rising force in the league. Fans are urged to support the team as they aim for continued success in the upcoming weeks.
This victory not only highlights the resilience of the Highland Park football program but also underscores the power of community support in driving success. With their sights set on further achievements, the Owls are ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead.
