High School Football kicks off for many Friday Night

Some high school football games were played Thursday Night and some will wait an extra day and play Saturday but a bulk of High School Football contests will take place Friday Night throughout the state.

On the WMVO and WQIO Facebook pages and 100.9FM and wmvo.com the Highland Scots will host the Fredericktown Freddies. Running back Dane Nauman broke the school’s rushing record last year en route to over 2500 yards rushing, he is back as the top option on offense for the Scots. Highland Coach Ty Stover says he knows teams will stuff the box to prevent Nauman from taking over a game but that the team has several skill options outside of Nauman as well.

Fredericktown on the other hand has a veteran group returning and Coach Will Hartley is excited about the season. Hartley size the offensive line has looked good and skill players such as Teegan Ruhl, Kaid Carpenter, Ben Mast and Xavier Mullins make for a solid offensive group.

Highland won last year’s matchup 41-20. Nauman ran for 289 yards in the victory.

Meanwhile Friday Night Centerburg will travel to Utica. The Trojans haven’t lost to the Redskins since 2010. The Trojans will have quarterback Tyler Johnson among the team’s returnees and Johnson had a huge game in a win last year over the Redskins as he and the now graduated Jack Gregory combined for nearly 400 yards and 4 touchdowns in a victory last season.

East Knox will open a new era with Head Coach Andy Beatty leading the way and stars Peyton Lester and Shane Knepp on to greener pastures. The Bulldogs play at Northridge tonight.

Danville will open at Worthington Christian tonight and are led now by Head Coach Matthew Blum.

Mount Vernon is led by former Northridge Head Coach Jay Campbell and Campbell’s group will play at Marion Harding tonight. Athletic Director Justin Sanford talked to the team Thursday and emphasized finishing. Back are Joel Hubbard, Johnny Askew and Evan Owens. The Jackets want to get their athletes the ball out in space. Mount Vernon lost 28-27 against the Presidents last season.