Boys: Battle of Winless Teams Sees Highland Win

The Highland Rams notched their first win of the season on Thursday after beating conference rival Murray, 12-4.
Highland got off to an early start, scoring just a minute into the game on a goal by Senior Midfielder Jordan Strong. Murray equalized five minutes later on a goal by Jacob Cox. Both teams continued to fight hard but Highland was able to get two goals within 20 seconds of each other to take a 3-1 lead. Cox was able to score for Murray again two minutes later, cutting the Rams lead to one goal at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was dominated by the Rams as they scored six goals. Sophomore Midfielder Tommy Jacobsen had two goals in the run. Senior Midfilder Kyle Bergeson had three goals and Junior Midfielder Austin Stevens had one goal. The Ram defense shut out the Murray offense due to the tough play of the Highland close defenders and Senior Goalie Mitch Harned quick hands.
Bergeson started off the third quarter with a quick goal from 15 yards outside the crease. The rest of the quarter was sloppy as the rain and snow continued to hammer the field, resulting in many groundballs.
The fourth quarter saw Highland Midfielder Dustin Payne get on the score sheet just 30 seconds in. Murray answered right back on a goal by Cox. Highland Midfielder Ki Easterwood scored for the Rams midway through the fourth but was answered by Murray Junior Douglas Getty. Both teams continued to fight until the last whistle as Highland cleared their bench, getting the younger players expirence.
“I thought it was a sloppy game because of the weather,” said Highland Head Coach Walker Bateman. “We proved we could play as a team.”
Highland was led by Bergeson who had 4 goals and 1 assist. Harned had 6 saves while backup goalie Jacob De La Mare had 3 saves. Highland won 11 out of 17 face-offs.
“Mitch always plays well,” said Bateman. “He’s a real leader out there. Obviously the seniors played well and we had a few sophomores step up which is huge.”
Highland will play rival East on April 14. Also on April 14, Murray will travel to play Herriman.