Highland Home School’s varsity football team defeated Goshen, 42-14, at Clay Stadium on Friday night.

Flying Squadron head coach Will Pouncey said he was proud of his team’s effort and execution.

“We were able to take advantage of some matchups and be versatile in our offensive attack,” Pouncey said. “It was a great team win and everybody contributed for us. 

“I want to emphasize the guys who stepped up on our offensive line. We had two starting offensive linemen out, and we were still able to put together a good effort upfront. The biggest thing was getting some backups in for some key reps and developing depth for later in the season. (I’m) just very proud of our guys and we look forward to another challenge next week.”

Highland Home scored its first points  on a 2-yard run by Junior Brice McKenzie   with 4:24 left in the first, but the team failed on a 2-point conversion attempt.

McKenzie continued the Flying Squadrons’ momentum by intercepting a Goshen pass with 3:30 left in the first. Near the end of the quarter,  McKenzie completed a pass to KD Shepherd for a 9-yard touchdown. Keldric Faulk completed the two-point conversion to make the score 14-0.

Flying Squadron sophomore Tyler Chaney recovered a fumble forced by sophomore teammate Austin Crittenden with 28 seconds remaining, but were unable to add to their score. 

Midway through the second quarter, senior LaTregan Cooper snatched another interception inside the Eagles’ 36-yard line for Highland Home. Dariko Harris, senior, carried the ball into the endzone with just over five minutes remaining in the first half, but the extra point attempt was no good, leaving the score at 20-0. 

Crittenden took advantage of Goshen’s fumble on the kickoff return, recovering the ball at the Eagles’ 3-yard line. A penalty pushed Highland Home to the 13, butMcKenzie completed a 13-yard pass to Keldric Faulk, senior, for a touchdown. Harris completed the two-point conversion to extend his team’s lead to 28-0.

Sophomore Logan Taylor forced another turnover for Highland Home via an interception with two minutes left in the first half. 

McKenzie completed a 17-yard touchdown touchdown pass to Tyler Chaney, bringing the score to 34-0 with  9:32 left in third. 

Highland Home sophomore Javion McMillian scored a touchdown on the team’s third interception  ofthe game with 6:26 to play in the third stanzak. 

Goshen was able to add points to the board with a touchdown interception by Eagles’ TJ Washington in the fourth quarter.

Highland Home (3-0, 1-0)) will travel to face Class 2A, Region 3 foe Lanett (2-1, 1-0) Friday night. Lanett has been Region 3 champions for five years running, according to the Alabama High School Football Historical Society, www.AHSFHS.org.