HIGHLAND, Kan. - Behind the exciting play of TJ Porter in its new wildcat formation, Highland (0-9, 0-5 KJCCC) nearly pulled off an upset of no. 14 Garden City (6-3, 3-2 KJCCC) on Saturday, falling by a 20-13 scoreline.

After allowing a first-quarter touchdown, Highland found itself in dire territory after a low kickoff appeared to be covered up by Porter at the 10-yard line but squirted out with Garden City recovering at the Scottie 7-yard line. After reviewing the play, possession was awarded to the Broncbusters.

Two plays later, however, the emergency subsided as a wayward snap was fumbled by Garden City with Shyheem Parker on the spot to recover for Highland.

After initially getting out of danger with a pair of Porter carries from the wildcat, Highland was forced to punt, this time in to a stark 20-mph wind from the northwest. Gabe McWilliams punt boomed upward and into Garden City territory before the wind curled it back across midfield with Highland downing the ball on its own 37-yard line.

The Scottie defense again came up big, with Ezekial Kavege catching up to GCCC quarterback DaeOnte' Mitchell and stripping the ball after a 21-yard scamper. Gabriel Hoskins was on the spot for the recovery, with Highland taking over on its own 36-yard line.

Trailing by a pair of touchdowns at the end of the first half, Highland managed to drive the ball out to midfield, but as Ryeki Tuley was looking downfield for a pass on the last play of the half, the ball slipped out of his hands. Hoping to get one last chance, Highland challenged the ruling, as Tuley appeared to be in a passing motion, but the original call was upheld.

Highland exploded onto the scoreboard to start the second half, with Porter delivering six points with three big carries - 22 yards, 11 yards and a 36-yard touchdown run.

Still kicking into a howling wind, Highland appeared to have taken advantage of the weather conditions, with Justin Dahlstrom recovering his own onside kick. Unfortunately the right side of the Scotties kickoff unit was offside at the point of contact, forcing a rekick.

Garden City was able to stretch back to a two-touchdown lead on its ensuing drive, but another electric drive keyed by Porter answered for Highland.

After coming up short on another onside kick, Demitrius Alexandre gave the Scotties new life, picking off a Tanner Helton pass at the edge of the red zone and returning it 14 yards.

Highland wasn't able to convert the drive into points, stalling after a first-down pass by Tuley to Lexton Grafke, and Garden City was able to wind down the clock.

Highland closes out the home portion of the 2025 schedule next Saturday, hosting Hutchinson Community College in a 1 p.m. kickoff.