Countdown to kickoff: Highland optimistic and realistic about what it takes to compete in CCC

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EWING, Mo. — Caleb Arnsman is an enthusiastic guy. He’s realistic, too.

“My fever for this game never stops,” said the third-year Highland football coach. “Even when the season ends, I usually take about a week off, then reset and get going again.”

That’s Arnsman’s enthusiasm at its best.

Now, meet the pragmatic part of the 33-year-old coach.

Normally, Arnsman, who is in his eighth year overall with the Highland program, likes a wide-open approach on both sides of the ball. He likes his club to create “chaos,” but that wide-open concept on offense will probably have to wait for “three or four games” to develop.

Arnsman is working with first-year quarterback Johnathan Hager, a 5-foot-11, 165-pound senior who is sliding down the line from wide receiver.

“Johnathan has minimal experience, but has been receptive since day one,” Arnsman said. “He’s learning fast.”

So don’t look for Highland, which was 3-7 a year ago, to be immediately flying the friendly skies like Arnsman would prefer. It might be close to midseason until the offense Arnsman is envisioning begins to show itself.

“Our passing game will be a work in progress early in the season,” Arnsman said. “We’re hoping by the start of (Clarence Cannon Conference) play, which would be the fourth game of the season, to have the pieces in place. 

“We’re not where we want to be yet. It’s a never-ending learning process, and every day you should learn something.”

Hager understands what a position switch of this nature entails.

“I know the first couple of weeks will be a learning period, but I’m really excited to take the job at quarterback,” Hager said. “I worked a lot with our receivers in the offseason and know building team chemistry early will be important. We’re going to need everyone on the same mindset.”

Hager’s teammate, Christopher Gaus, a two-way veteran, likes what he has seen in the new quarterback.

“There’s no quit in Johnathan,” Gaus said. “He’s a high-energy, fun guy … but he’s also calm.”

Arnsman said even when the offense finds its groove, it will likely be a more controlled attack than in years past.

“There will be less air raid this season,” he said.

Arnsman is determined to build a winning culture at Highland.

“Right now, we’re busy building relationships with players,” he said.

The coach is hoping that kind of positive rapport will help lead to a winning record, which is this year’s first and foremost goal — and an accomplishment that has not been that common at Highland. 

Highland has had one winning season in the last 32 years. The Cougars were 8-4 in 2021, which was the first winning record since 1992. Since 1992, there have been three winless seasons and 10 one-victory campaigns.

One player that boasts the kind of mentality to help lead Highland from its challenging past is Gaus, a 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior who will be serving as a running back on offense and likely a linebacker on defense.

Gaus breaks down the game to its simplest form.

“I like to hit,” he said. “If I see the ball, I want to get the ball.”

Hager appreciates Gaus’ energy.

“He’s just a dog,” Hager said.

Gaus accepted the compliment, and enjoyed pointing out to anyone who might be unfamiliar with the two players’ approaches, that “I’m the bad cop, and he’s the good cop.”

Arnsman feels Gaus is the perfect point of reference for Highland’s seek-and-destroy mode of defense. 

“On defense, we’ll let the kids fly around and create the chaos,” Arnsman said.

Arnsman said freshman running back La’Male Miller (5-10, 215) should be an impact player right out of the gate. Miller should be one of the most intriguing first-year players in the region.

“He’s adjusted well, moving from junior high to varsity,” Arnsman said. “His development is about what we expected.”

Sophomore Cason Bliven (5-10, 175) is another youngster Arnsman said is ready to contribute as a two-way performer. Look for him in the offensive backfield, a receiver and a linebacker.

“We love his attitude,” Arnsman said. “He emerged in the second half of ’23.”

Highland was able to take extended looks at some of its younger players a year ago when a string of injuries derailed a number of key personnel, especially in the second half of the season.