The Highland Home School (HHS) Flying Squadron led a 39-0 shutout against the Providence Christian School (PCS) Eagles on Aug. 25 during their first home game of the ‘23-’24 season. 

The Flying Squadron’s triumph over the Eagles is the second win on the HHS season schedule following a 56-7 win against Pike Liberal Arts on Aug. 18. with HHS being the first opponents of the season for PCS. 

Head Coach Will Pouncey expressed his satisfaction not only with the win, but also with the young men who fought for it.

“It was a great game,” Pouncey said. “Our offense got out there and did their jobs and JJ Faulk and CJ May had a big night leading our defense. I was really pleased with the effort from all the kids this week.”

Starting the night off strong, No. 19 Greg Tate brought home the Squadron’s first touchdown on a one-hand reception from six yards out.

The Eagles’ defense struggled to gain their footing, allowing the Squadron to score a total of 32 points by the end of the first half.

During the game, Flying Squadron quarterback, No. 3 Brice McKenzie, rushed six times for a total of 84 yards, helping bring home three touchdowns, including the final Squadron touchdown of the night scored early in the third quarter.

A few key offensive players who were instrumental in the Squadron’s victory include No. 26 Austin Norman with 78 rushing yards leading to one touchdown, No. 2 Austin Crittenden with 75 rushing yards leading to two touchdowns, and No. 12 Tyler Chaney with 17 rushing yards and 22 receiving yards leading to one touchdown. 

Pouncey acknowledged the strength of his team and coaching staff as he discussed the obstacles they had to overcome leading up to their success under the Friday night lights.

“We had to fight through some adversity this week,” Pouncey stated. “We had a lot of sickness and a lot of guys missing practice, but we were resilient and we had a lot of kids step up. I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention my coaching staff: Julius Dulaney, Justin Cope, Josh Peters, Xay Burden, Jason Williams, and Justin Vincitore. I was sick myself and they stepped in and had everything running just like it would have if I had been there with them. I couldn’t be more excited about the kids on our team this year and the coaching staff at Highland Home School.”

Next on the schedule, the Flying Squadron will face the Ariton High School Purple Cats in their second away-game on Sep. 1 at Robert F Zumstein Stadium.