Highlanders Season Over Following Round 2 Playoff Loss

by Steve Korossy

DUNEDIN, FL, USA - The Dunedin Highlanders Season 1 is now officially in the books. The team travelled to LakeLand for a re-match against the LakeLand Jokers, losing 25-20 last night. The Highlanders went into their second playoff game, again with no coaches on their sideline. Thee Highlander, the team's well known mascot, travelled to the game and was on the sideline with the players.

For more details, read WHAT HAPPENED TO THE HIGHLANDERS COACHES?

The Highlanders gave up an opening possession touchdown and quickly finding themselves down 7-0. The Highlanders marched down the field and scored their own touchdown when quarterback Nate Munson completed a 22-yard touchdown pass to a leaping Ricardo Ambert in the endzone. The extra point attempt was blocked, keeping the Jokers ahead 7-6.

On the following possession, the Jokers quarterback completed a screen pass to the left which the receiver took 54-yards for a touchdown. The extra point attempt was blocked, pushing the Joker advantage to 13-6. Each team exchanged several possessions with no change to the score. Midway through second quarter, The Highlanders secondary gave up a another deep pass for a Joker touchdown. The subsequent 2-point conversion was unsuccessful, but the Jokers extended their lead to 19-6.

The Highlanders defensive line continued to step up and get pressure on the Jokers quarterback. On one play late 2nd quarter, defensive lineman Marshall O'Brien got to the Jokers quarterback with a hard hit which forced the ball to come loose. The Highlanders recovered the ball but the officials "interestingly" ruled that the quarterback's arm was slightly coming forward, resulting in an incomplete pass.

The Highlanders adjusted and went to a ground attack, ripping off multiple successful runs by running back Darius Daniels and Munson. The Highlanders had a great opportunity just before halftime. Munson and the Highlanders offense got all the way down to the Jokers 7 yard line but were unable to get into the endzone, turning the ball over on downs. The Jokers took a 19-6 lead into halftime.

In the 3rd quarter, The Highlanders offense was rejuvenated and effectively moved the ball. On their first offensive possession of the 3rd quarter, Munson completed a 25-yard touchdown pass to running back Daniels. Munson ran in the subsequent 2-point conversion, bringing the Highlanders closer at 19-14.

The Highlanders aggressive defense continued to get the ball back for the offense, including a key interception by Highlanders safety Ty Scott. Former NFL standout Dominique Rogers-Cromartie was a force on defense and special teams for The Highlanders. Rogers-Crowmartie has a near interception on one play, when the Jokers made the mistake of passing to his side of the field. The excitement was building.

The Jokers offense were plagued with numerous substitution penalties throughout the game, which helped The Highlanders. The Jokers' home field (Hunt Fountain Park) has not had a working scoreboard for years. The EAFL Commissioner is well aware of this, but has not required the Jokers to adhere to the league rule of having a functional scoreboard and clock.

Early in the 4th quarter, The Jokers completed a short pass near mid-field, which turned into a long Jokers touchdown following several missed tackles by The Highlanders. The subsequent 2-point conversion attempt by the Jokers was unsuccessful, but the Jokers extended their lead to 25-14.

Later in the 4th quarter, Munson poised on the sideline, waiting for the defense to make a big play. The defense held on a critical possession and forced a Joker punt attempt. Following a bad snap, The Highlanders recovered the fumble at the Jokers 23 yard line. After a critical pass reception by wide receiver John Lewey, The Highlanders were closing in on the endzone. One a pivotal 4th down from the Jokers 8 yard line, Munson scrambled and ran the ball into the enzone with 2:20 left in the 4th quarter. The 2-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but the Joker lead was cut to 25-20.

Key timeouts by The Highlanders and another big stop by The Highlanders defense forced the Jokers to punt once again. Munson and The Highlanders offense got the opportunity they wanted. Down by 5 points, with 1:30 left in the 4th quarter, and no timeouts, starting their final possession from their own 30 yard line. Following great plays by Isaiah Thomas, Lewey,, and Munson, The Highlanders were driving once again. On a critical 4th down, Munson kept the ball and ran for a 1st down to extend the drive. A couple key penalties against The Highlanders hurt their field position. With 4 seconds remaining, Munson dropped back and threw the ball toward the endzone 40 yards away, but the pass was intercepted by the Jokers, securing the Joker win.

Highlanders team president Steve Korossy had these words following the game, "The players did great today. They made the necessary adjustments and kept their composure, especially in the second half. We had momentum and the ball late 4th quarter, with a chance to win the game. The Highlanders nearly pulled off the magical win against the #1 seed Jokers."

The loss was the finale of Season 1 for The Dunedin Highlanders, which was memorable to say the least. "While several key players quit on the team entering the playoffs, most of the remaining players galvanized under the circumstances. The focus and unity by the Highlander players on the sideline was refreshing. We empowered these veteran players to determine their own fate, and not be crippled by poor and ineffective coaching", Korossy said.

The Highlanders Senior Leadership Team has been in partial re-build mode for a couple weeks. "We can now jump in with both feet and continue our bold and innovative approach to rebuilding our roster. Stay tuned", said general manager Chris Housholder. "I will be working closely with incoming head coach Darien Bell, who now takes over the role of head coach for The Highlanders. Coach Bell will be outstanding for this organization", Housholder said.

The Highlanders look to retain a core group of players from Season 1, with focus on bringing in competition at all positions. The Highlanders plan to have an in-person meet-and-greet with Coach Bell later this month, followed by an on-field tryout in July/August. If you are interested in The Dunedin Highlanders for Season 2, check our details online at