Cougars’ historic season comes up one play short of district championship

Highland quarterback Drew Mallett takes the snap while Brandon Holder (81) goes in motion and Robert Goehl (18) prepares to block during Friday night's game in Marceline, Mo./ | Photo courtesy of Brenda Mallett

MARCELINE, Mo. — Dave Degarmo put his words on paper, knowing the day would come he would need to deliver them to his Highland football team. Friday night felt too soon to share his thoughts, but he knew how to express them. The Cougars, in Degarmo’s fifth season as head coach, nearly captured the first…

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Cougars set new single-season victory mark, to play for district championship

Highland running back Robert Goehl runs between two Westran defenders during Friday night's district semifinal game in Ewing, Mo. | Photo courtesy of Brenda Mallett

EWING, Mo. — Like father, like son. While Highland’s Robert Goehl was illustrating one story with his post-game thoughts, his eyes were telling another. Finally, the senior running back halted his conversation about Friday night’s 38-0 Class 1 District 6 thumping of overmatched Westran, a victory Goehl spearheaded with 202 yards rushing, a pair of…

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CCC football champion Monroe City stockpiles all-conference honors

PALMYRA, Mo. — The Monroe City football team received three unanimous all-conference selections, nine first-team picks and the Defensive Player of the Year after winning its first Clarence Cannon Conference championship since 2017. The Panthers went 6-1, a season highlighted by a smack-you-in-the-face defense. Junior middle linebacker Ceaton Pennewell was named the CCC Defensive Player…

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Saturday Rewind: Cougars’ defense stands stout in shutting out Indians in CCC opener

Highland quarterback Drew Mallett, left, rolls out during Friday's game against Clark County in Kahoka, Mo. Photo courtesy Brenda Mallett

EWING, Mo. — Cameron Bringer’s goal seemed ambitious. Maybe it’s not. The Highland senior defensive back intercepted a pass in Friday night’s 36-0 victory over Clark County, giving him four interceptions in the Cougars’ first three games. It keeps him on pace to meet his goal of an interception in every game this season. “We…

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Countdown to kickoff: Cougars believe speed, improved defense help flip script

Improving the defense and applying consistent pressure to the quarterback should allow the Highland football team to be more competitive. Mathew Kirby photo

EWING, Mo. — Despite the speed, efficiency and explosiveness the Highland football team showcased on offense last season, defense determined the Cougars’ fate. A 52-50 loss to Clark County in the district opener is no better example. “We have to get guys in the right positions to make plays,” Highland coach Dave Degarmo said. “That’s…

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