TOPEKA — Highland Park’s defense was motivated in Week 1 to shutout Wyandotte. After a strong performance, the Scots achieved the goal. The mindset has been the same each week since: Blank the opponents.
Week after week, they have performed flawlessly.
The Scots defeated J.C. Harmon 48-0 on Friday night. It was Highland Park’s fourth straight shutout victory. They have outscored their opponents 174-0 through the first half of the regular season.
“It’s crazy. This is the first time that I’ve ever seen this been done. First four games and no points be let up,” senior linebacker Craige Sipple said. “Going into the first game it was pretty cool. Let’s just keep it going until someone scores, ya know.”
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The transformation from coach Jermaine Monroe’s first season to this year has been stark.
In Monroe’s first four games in charge of the program, Highland Park (4-0) allowed 230 points in 2021. It’s been his goal to have a stout and swarming defense with players that embrace defense.
“We had a bunch of offensive guys and my goal was to find some legit defensive guys, guys that just love to play defense,” Monroe said. “We are there. We have about 13, 15 guys that just want to play D and they are having a blast.”
On the first play of the game against Harmon (1-3), they produced a read option play. The running back took the ball went towards the outside. The play was snuffed out quickly as Highland Park’s defense earned a huge tackle for a loss.
“Good job, but I’m not satisfied,” Monroe screamed from the sideline.
This hunger is driving Highland Park to new heights. Yes, they have won their first four games in blowouts, but practice is at a high intensity preparing the team for the next challenge. Monroe said that competition for touches and scoring plays is at an all-time high and the players are delivering.
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Explosive touchdowns were everywhere against Harmon. Jamon Wilson is one of the fastest players in the capital city. He scored four touchdowns versus the Hawks. One of them came on the opening kick-off of the second half, shortly after being named Homecoming King, and during a first half punt return.
Wilson’s ability to weave through defenders has made him a force. He has scored a special teams touchdown in every game this season. It’s his vision that has made him a stand-out for this roster according to Monroe.
“His key thing is that he can make cuts at top speed,” the head coach said. “That isn’t taught, that is something he is blessed with. His basketball background is translating to football. When he is making his cuts, it’s like he is making a move to the rim.”
Wilson is an important piece on Highland Park’s basketball team, too. His agility and juke moves that were on display against Harmon are also a constant on the hardwood. Wilson agreed that basketball has helped him improve his football skillset.
“Basketball is a lot of foot work, sliding your feet and getting in front of a guy,” Wilson said. “Being a point guard has helped me with my vision, knowing what holes to hit and just seeing where to go.”
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Wilson is not a one man show. G’Honi Montgomery was everywhere on the field, too. He scored three touchdowns over Harmon. His best highlight came before halftime when he tiptoed down the near sideline and into the end zone. He was on a tightrope and showed tremendous skill.
Quarterback Dontrail Fox showed poise and patience in the pocket, too. He played a clean game and showed that he can influence the game, too.
“Our boys are dynamic and one guy could touch the ball and score within seconds,” Monroe said. “You have a whole scripted drive that you want to have, but you have players like that that make big plays.”
While the Scots have had four big wins, they are not satisfied halfway through the regular season. Their mind is solely set on making a deep run in the playoffs, something they haven’t achieved in a long time.
“We haven’t made it to State, we haven’t made it past the second round of the playoffs,” Wilson said. “Everybody is really trying to go to college, those are ways that we stay hungry.”
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@ g annett.co m
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Highland Park football 'not satisfied' after fourth straight shutout victory
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