Jensen filled in at QB late in the season and led Rebels to first-round playoff win

By Buck Ringgold

Last season, his first playing varsity ball for Highland, Jimmy Jensen made an immediate impact.

Against Gosnell, he found the end zone five times and it helped lead the Rebels to a huge win.

“I had five touchdowns against Gosnell last year as a sophomore because it was my first year in senior high and it just helped boost my confidence,” Jensen said. “It also led to a big win because they beat us the last couple of years.”

Jensen ended up doing a little bit of everything for the Rebels in 2024, when the team finished 9-2.

He primarily played receiver and running back but saw action at quarterback, especially late in the season and threw two touchdowns in Highland’s regular-season finale, a 14-6 win against Pocahontas, as well as leading the team to an opening-round playoff win against Ashdown.

“I feel as if I had a good season and helped the team to the best of my abilities,” Jensen said. “I got injured halfway through the season, but I came back in Week 10 and played quarterback because our quarterback got injured.”

Jensen finished his sophomore year passing for 371 yards and two TDs while adding eight rushing scores. He also caught 22 passes for 372 yards and four TDs.

“I feel as if my strengths are my speed, hands and route running on offense,” said Jensen, who also plays safety and outside linebacker. “Then on defense, reading the quarterback’s eyes and making a play on the ball.”

Through three games this season, Jensen has caught three TD passes. After an opening-week loss to Thayer (Mo.), Highland then posted back-to-back wins against Brookland and Riverview.

“I worked out a lot and did a lot of route running as well as speed training,” he said. 

Jensen also plays on the school’s baseball team, seeing action both as a pitcher and in the outfield, while maintaining a grade-point average of more than 3.0.

“For me, things are going good, and I feel like the work I put in during the offseason is paying off,” Jensen said.

Photos by AK Johnson