TWHS Highlanders Roll On, Still Undefeated After Game Against Port Arthur Memorial

PORT ARTHUR, Texas -- It might not have been as impressive of a win as what Highlanders fans have been used to this season, but it was a win nonetheless.

The Woodlands scored early and handed the game over to its defense in beating Port Arthur Memorial 24-7 on the road Friday night.

Daniel Lasco ran for 147 yards and a touchdown as the 5-0 Highlanders built an 18-0 halftime lead before coasting. Lasco scored on a 6-yard run midway through the second quarter. It was sandwiched in between two safeties the Highlanders defense recorded in a five-minute span of the second quarter.

The Woodlands defense allowed just 74 rushing yards and forced a turnover.

Quarterback Trent Eckel threw for 103 yards, including an 8-yard touchdown pass to Jonathan Wilcher midway through the opening period. The Highlanders employed five different receivers. Wilcher led the group with three catches for 26 yards. Brett Felton was on the receiving end of two of Eckel's throws, good for 23 yards. Peter Falivene (26 yards), Randy Knust (18 yards), and Lasco (11 yards) caught one pass apiece.

It looked as though it would be a typical Highlanders cakewalk after Eckel's touchdown pass. But the rout didn't materialize.

In fact, the hosting Titans (3-2) made a game of it, scoring midway through the third quarter to slice into The Woodlands' lead. The Highlanders took an 18-7 advantage into the fourth quarter. And it wasn't until Ben Pruitt knocked through a pair of late field goals, of 21 and 35 yards, that the victory was secured.

It was a final tune-up before the District 14-5A schedule for the Highlanders, who will have a bye week coming up before raising the curtain on the district season when they play visitors to College Park at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Woodforest Stadium.