Eighth grader Carly Morgan sliced through sheets of rain, quick feet carrying her past Highland’s last line of defense. The Huskies’ grasp for a flag finds air, while Morgan locates a fourth touchdown in three quarters. The newcomer’s rise from unlikely starter to opening night star was the undeniable highlight of the Vikings’ season debut, as they downed Highland, 33-0.

In this spring opener for both teams, March 24 was a battle of two revamped squads. On one sideline, the blue-and-gold Huskies built a new foundation on what last year’s seniors left behind. Such a blend of new talent and experienced leaders also highlights a growing Valley Central program.

Morgan was buzzing by the second quarter, her Vikings up big after the first 12 minutes. She rushed for 66 yards and found the end zone with Valley Central’s first possession. Viking coach Isaiah Wilson had reservations about bringing the eighth grader to the forefront this early. Four touchdowns later, the rookie proved she is ready as anybody to impact her team.

“I wasn’t going to have her as a starter, but I definitely don’t regret putting her as a starter now. She took that spotlight, and she ran with it today,” said coach Isaiah Wilson.

The first-year player rushed in the scores, and the veteran senior defense dug in for the shutout.

Highland’s Keira Bishop swung momentum in Husky favor with an interception, an offensive threat quickly neutralized by defensive anchor Kristina Gilot. A senior veteran with Section 9-title experience at Monroe-Woodbury, Gilot brings essential talent and experience to the Valley Central squad. She brought 6 tackles against Highland.

“She has been lights out ever since we got her, and she’s definitely one of those ones that I’m like, ‘You are my defensive specialist, and I want you out there.’ She shows up every game, and her leadership definitely shows as well,” added Wilson.

Sarah Mann added 3 tackles and a sack for Valley Central. Sophomore Candice Pagliuca rushed for 24 yards and scored a touchdown.

Highland, down 12 seniors from last year, looked to find its footing in Game 1. Regardless of the first half result, Yearwood urged his team to pull flags and play defense as a team. As the first-game jitters evaporated with each tackle, the Huskies showcased an impressive second-half defensive effort. Holding the Vikings scoreless in the final quarter, Highland’s night ended on a positive note, a sign of what could become of the new-look Huskies squad. Resilience can be expected. Highland will stand tough against opponents, no matter the score.

“I know they’re going to fight through to the fourth quarter; they don’t give up. We are a fourth quarter team, and we just showed it today,” said Yearwood.

Yearwood’s team showed its stamina, the ability to perform in fourth-quarter crunch time. Makayla Petreshock led Highland with 16 tackles. Alexis Violaris rushed for 62 yards (10 rushes) and made 9 tackles. Bishop added 7 tackles.