URGENT UPDATE: The Highland Park Owls have achieved a remarkable victory, defeating the Dayton Bulldogs 26-14 on September 12, 2025, marking their second consecutive win to start the season. This victory is monumental for a program that has faced challenges in recent years, including a staggering 51-game losing streak that ended last season.
The Owls, energized by a robust second-half defensive performance, showcased their determination in front of a supportive crowd. Head coach Shawn Harrison, a proud Highland Park alumnus, expressed his pride in the team and the community’s backing. “It’s amazing… Our new athletic director and everyone involved does a wonderful job,” Harrison said.
Highland Park took control of the game thanks to a stellar defensive effort that shut out Dayton in the second half. The Bulldogs, who initially scored a touchdown before halftime, struggled to regain momentum, hampered by penalties and turnovers. Notably, the Owls intercepted quarterback Adrian Bernknopf three times, with sophomore linebacker Leo Dirks Amodeo making a crucial pick early in the fourth quarter.
In the first half, both teams exchanged turnovers, with Highland Park’s junior quarterback Marcus Smith making a significant impact. He connected with Kosta Hantsoulis for a 47-yard gain, leading to a touchdown run by senior Kaseem Qualls. Dayton quickly retaliated with a 45-yard touchdown pass from Bernknopf to Aiden Delpeche, but the teams went into halftime with a narrow score of 14-13.
The turning point came after halftime, as Highland Park’s defense tightened its grip. The Bulldogs, although initially moving the ball well, were thwarted by back-to-back sacks that pushed them out of field goal range. Coach Nick Iannacone of Dayton acknowledged his team’s struggles, stating, “We dropped the ball today, but we’ll recover.”
Highland Park seized the lead permanently with an eight-yard touchdown run from Smith, pushing the score to 20-14. Smith, who showcased his growing confidence, also added a rushing touchdown from 20 yards out later in the game, solidifying the Owls’ victory.
The win is more than just a score; it’s a revival for a team looking to build a winning culture. Harrison emphasizes the emotional connection to the game, saying, “Football is special to me. It’s special to see the kids see what I went through at their age.”
As the Highland Park Owls celebrate their promising start to the season, fans are eager to see how this momentum can transform the program. With their next game on the horizon, the Owls aim to continue their winning streak and establish themselves as a formidable force in the league.
