MacArthur Highlanders Bring Home First Round Playoff Win Defeating Deer Creek 34-29

There is an old saying, "Throw out the records," when teams get into the play-offs, and last Friday night's MacArthur-Deer Creek match-up proved that saying to be true.

The MacArthur Highlanders, a one seed and winner of their district, took on fourth seed Deer Creek Antlers at Cameron Stadium. The Antlers took the opening drive and a 47-yard run and streak to the end zone to go up 7-0 quickly to begin the contest. Big Mac responded with a Korie Robbinson touchdown run and then a wide open waltz into the end zone. A 2-point conversion by quarterback Will Collins put the score to 8-7 near the end of the first quarter.

The two teams traded scores in the second quarter and at the end of the half the score was 17-15 with the Highlanders finding themselves down by two for only the third time this season. The difference for the Highlanders started with Mac's first possession in the second half when quarterback Will Collins found Gary McKnight Jr. and connected with a 51-yard touchdown pass. That score was followed quickly by MacArthur's first pick-six of the season from Cornerback Lorenzo West, and just like that the Highlanders were up 28-17.

The game and outcome was still in question until Will Collins once again found receiver Gary McKnight Jr and his won't-be-denied 14-yard catch and dive to the end zone giving the Highlanders a 34-29 lead with just 3:38 left in the contest.

The Highlander defense sealed the deal with a tipped pass by Terrance Grimsley and interception by linebacker Mitchell Frits. Game over. The final score on the scoreboard read Mac 34, Deer Creek 29.

Throw out all the records, indeed. Except this one: MacArthur is now 1-0 in the first round of the playoffs. Next up for the Highlanders is a quarterfinal appearance where only 8 teams remain in the hunt for the gold ball.

This week the Highlanders will play host against the Pryor Tigers who will take the long trip from the eastside of the state on Saturday at 4:00 pm.

Join myself alongside Jay, Maynard, Josh and Nick for all the exciting play-by-play action right here on KLAW 1010. Don't forget to bring your radios or tune in and listen live online as Mac's quest for the gold ball continues with week 2 at Cameron stadium.

See you at the game!