COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - In the final game of the 2025 season, Highland (0-11) scored first in both halves of the game, but fell to no. 2 Iowa Western (10-1) 64-13 on Saturday.

After a 52-yard kickoff by Justin Dahlstrom pinned Iowa Western on its own 14-yard line to start the game, Xavier Millerton came up big on the third play of the contest, picking off a pass by Malachi Marshal at the 41 and returning it 11 yards to give Highland great field position to start its first drive.

Despite fumbling on the first play from scrimmage, Landyn Moore quickly redeemed himself with a 27-yard carry on third down, giving the Scotties first and goal from the 7-yard line. After a false start penalty and a loss of four yards, Kahliek Rainey found Demitrius Alexandre open for a touchdown completion. Carl Bonewits put the Scotties up 7-0 with the PAT.

Iowa Western was able to respond and took a 34-7 lead in to the locker room.

With kickoff to start the second half, the Reivers delivered one of the quirkiest plays in recent memory. Gus Bashore lined up for the kickoff and appeared to try either an onside or pooch kick, hoping to catch Highland off-guard. But with what appeared to be a slight misstep of his plant foot, Bashore's kickoff squirted directly parallel to the 35-yard line. Anthony Gaito was alert, grabbing the loose ball and sprinting to the end zone for the touchdown. A penalty flag was thrown, as one of the Iowa Western gunners was offside, but it was quickly declined.

Unfortunately, after a false start pushed the extra point attempt back five yards, Iowa Western was able to break through the line to block the attempt and return it for two points.

Jaquay McFadden and Tramond Dukes led Highland with seven tackles each, with all seven stops by Dukes of the solo variety.

Highland finishes the 2025 season 0-11.