Highland High School

Coach: Sterling Stowers

Highland heads into 2026 planning to lean on a pair of proven leaders in quarterback Austin Christy and standout playmaker Jimmy Jensen. Christy is described by coach Sterling Stowers as a great football player and an even better person, setting the standard for the program with his work ethic and commitment. He was on track for more than 2,400 passing yards last season before a season-ending injury and had already earned all-conference honors as a sophomore in 2024. Stowers notes that Christy has had an incredible summer, and Highland has already won two 7-on-7 tournaments in June with him at the controls.

Offensively, Highland will continue to build around Christy’s ability to throw the football and direct the attack. His production and leadership at quarterback give the team confidence that the offense can move the ball and score points when he is healthy. The program emphasizes Christy’s drive to make himself a better football player, which should help the offense grow as the season unfolds.

Defensively and in the overall team identity, Jensen gives Highland a versatile, high-impact presence. Stowers calls him one of the best football players to come through Highland in the last 20 years, and Jensen has already been recognized as an all-state player as a sophomore in 2024 and an all-conference performer in 2025 while playing multiple positions to cover for injuries. His rare feel for the game, combined with his reputation as an unbelievably awesome person off the field, makes him a central figure for the Scots on both sides of the ball. Highland’s hope is that the combination of Christy’s quarterback play and Jensen’s versatility can keep the team competitive throughout the fall.

Even with the usual changes that come with a new season, Stowers likes the leadership and talent provided by Christy and Jensen. If Christy stays healthy and Jensen continues to produce while moving around the formation, Highland expects to be dangerous again in 2026.