All the hype, build up and anticipation of this week's MacArthur Higlanders vs Eisenhower Eagles game did not disappoint. With temperatures in the upper 70's at kickoff - perfect football weather - the crowds came from both the east and west of town to cheer on their respective teams.

The Highlanders, in their all-black home uniforms, received the ball to start the game, and what a start it was. Just 28 seconds into the game, the boys from the East side used a little old fashioned trickery, razzle dazzle and a trick play with a pop-reverse-flea-flicker back to quarterback Will Collins. Collins was able to connect with MacArthur receiver Gary McKnight Jr. for a Big Mac touchdown and a stunned Eisenhower crowd. That big unexpected play that nobody saw coming was topped off with the decision to go for the two point conversion to add to the shock and a non typical 8 points on the scoreboard just like that.

MacArthur Highlanders vs Eisenhower Eagles
Photo courtesy of Mike Mazzo (mikemazzo.com)
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The Eisenhower Eagles responded with a touchdown of their own and a field goal in the second quarter giving them a 9-8 lead - until MacArthur finally answered back with a score from a 2-yard touchdown pass from Will Collins to Barry Williams with just 2:41 left in the half. After two quarters of play the score was 15-9, MacArthur.

The start of the second half got pretty ugly for both teams with 3 of the 5 turnovers of the game happening in the 3rd quarter. The game was finally put away for good at the 5:26 mark of the contest when MacArthur quarterback Will Collins kept the ball himself and raced to the end zone unscathed for a 20-yard touchdown run to seal the deal with a 21-9 MacArthur win.

Quarterback Will Collins finished the game completing 17 of 27 passes for 215-yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. He also lead the team in rushing with 82-yards and one touchdown on the night.

The real hidden story of Friday night's game was found on the defensive side of the ball. The MacArthur defense kept Eisenhower out of the end zone three times in a row in the second half, and made strong defensive plays the rest of the way.

Friday's win moved Big Mac to a 2-1 record early in the season, but the Highlanders hard work has just begun. They certainly have their work cut out for them in week 4 - the start of district play. The Highlanders first district game will be against last year's district champs, the Del City Eagles, this coming Friday (9/27).

A complete review of the MacArthur Highlanders week 4 match-up will be coming early in the week, giving you a review of the Highlanders first District game to begin their quest to the Gold Ball. See you then.

Check out pictures from the MacArthur Highlanders vs Eisenhower Eagles Game:

All photos courtesy of Mike Mazzo Photography

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