Highland Rams

Shedule:
8/26 @ Skyview (UT)
9/3 vs. Carson City (NV)
9/9 vs. Woods Cross (UT)
9/17 vs. Vanden (CA) @ UofI Kibbie Dome
9/23 vs. Hillcrest
9/30 vs. Century
10/7 vs. Pocatello
10/14 @ Skyline
10/28 vs. Idaho Falls

2010 was a year to forget for the Highland Rams. Coupled with a daunting schedule, the Rams suffered from inexperience at too many vital positions, and slipped to a 4-6 campaign. The Rams were extremely young and inexperienced on defense, and it showed from the get go. As has become the norm with Head Coach Gino Mariani's squad, the 2010 schedule was grueling. They opened up getting stroked by Utah perennial powerhouse Timpview in Provo, and showed that they didn't have the ability to consistently stop opposing offenses. They still won a weak 5A East, but close losses to Eagle, Poky, Riverton HS (UT), and Centennial in Round 1 of the playoffs left everyone in the program with a bad taste in their mouths. A 4-6 finish is the first losing season at Highland in close to 30 years, so I expect them to bounce back in a major way. Fortunately for the Rams, there is a lot to look forward to and a lot of talent returning on both sides of the ball. To be sure, the loss of 2-year starting QB Tanner Nielson will hurt
along with the loss of OT Josh Cutler, now at Idaho State, but the Rams return a ton of playmakers and 3 OL, anchored by Montana Gessell and Jordan Ronk who both have excellent size and mobility. Those playmakers on O start with returning all-purpose star Kai Campbell. The SR returned a handful of kicks and punts for scores last year and is a legitimate threat to go all the way every time he touches the ball. The Rams will rely on his production and leadership, especially early against great competition from out of state teams. Assisting Campbell will be a number of playmakers, starting with new QB Neil Jewell. The junior will need to come on quick and play well early for Highland to weather the tough out of conference slate they face. Luckily, he is capable and has a live arm, but is unproven. At tailback, senior Andre Lopez and junior Michael Beseris possess good quickness and speed and will get the bulk of the carries, mixing in occasional touches from senior Ean Filiaga and Campbell. In the wide open, multiple set offense that Gino Mariani runs, there is a definite need for capable wide receivers. Besides Campbell, the Rams return seniors Cole Ashby and Kase Howell, and bring on junior Tanner Tingey, who is the last of group of siblings that have seen much success at HHS. Those 4 will provide the base for what is an almost always potent passing attack. They break in a new TE, junior Colton Shreve, who is 6'5" 220 lbs.