By Keith McCormick

Special to The Luverne Journal

The Highland Home Squadron took on the Barbour County Jaguars Friday night for their homecoming game at Clay Jordan Stadium. The night was a bit drizzly in regard to weather, but the Squadron Band and the crowd definitely made the evening energetic. The festivities began with a pre-show that featured the HHS Band along with the HHS Color Guard.

The Jaguars began the game with the ball and with their first play of the game, they showed they came to play with a big first down. Unfortunately for the Jaguars, the Squadron’s defense turned up the heat, gaining possession on the Jaguar’s own ten-yard line and scoring a touchdown within the first two plays of the drive.  

According to the Squadron’s head coach Will Pouncey, the team came ready to claim a homecoming victory.

“We practice to a standard of excellence and the work for the Barbour County game started long before kickoff,” Pouncey said. “We knew this homecoming game meant a lot to the crowd and to this town.  We are proud of this team and all the hard work they put in.”

The Squadron’s No. 3 Brice McKenzie scored the first touchdown of the game, and the offense flew high for the rest of the game. Touchdowns were scored by No. 7 Ty Shepard and No. 50 Cooper Peters along with Greg Tate grabbing an interception deep into the Jaguars territory.  That interception led to a No. 32 Cooper Ingram touchdown in the second quarter.

Alumni from all around came to visit the ceremonies, with one alumni, Bo Taylor, helping the Squadron run the flag on the field during entry of the HHS team.  At halftime, the homecoming court was presented along with the Squadron Band.  The Highland Home homecoming court is Primary Attendant Kenzie Lusk, Elementary Attendant Julie White, Junior Attendant McKenzie Fulton, Freshman Attendant Emily Tindal, Junior Attendant Thalia Barrera, Sophomore Attendant Madalyn Perdue, Miss Football Madeline Jane Crowe, Senior Wilkinson Amber Wilkinson, Homecoming Queen Ally McElwain.

The Jaguars offense could not get anything going. They were continuously met in the backfield as soon as the ball was snapped each play.  The Squadron controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.  

The final score of 39-0 showed that the 8-0 Highland Home Flying Squadron led by Coach Pouncey has something special this season.