Highline Picks Up First Win of Season in Finale Against Franklin

Highline Picks Up First Win of Season in Finale Against Franklin
By Steven Dion

A blustery evening at Highline Memorial Stadium was the perfect recipe for the host Pirates to garner their first win of the season. The obstacle standing in the way of the Pirates’ treasure was Metro League opponent Franklin. The first of several big plays by Highline was a 70 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by junior linebacker Kingston Aloua. Before the first quarter ended, HHS’ Brandon Baker returned a punt 52 yards for a score. Franklin responded early in the second on a 39 yard scamper by James Flowers III. Before halftime, the Pirates scored conventionally on a reception by Baker from Kyle Tief. At break, Highline led 21-6.

Special teams miscues haunted the Quakers in the first half and the trend continued in the final 24 minutes. Brandon Baker took a punt to the house for the second time early in the third, this time from 65 yards out. This gave the Pirates a comfortable lead that was sustainable for the remainder of the contest. Montae Rainwater scurried to the corner pylon from three yards out in Lodrigo Omar’s jersey after Rainwater’s was ripped on a run. The fourth quarter featured a resurgence by the Quakers, but it was too late. Scores from Flowers III and a passing touchdown by Montique Jenkins highlighted the final frame for Franklin. When the horn sounded, Highline picked up their coveted first victory of the season with a 42-22 result.

Top Performers:

Franklin
James Flowers III – 2 rushing TDs of 39 and 2 yards

Highline
Brandon Baker – 3 total TDs, 2 punt returns from 65 & 52 yards, one reception of 17 yards