McFOOTBALL GOING THROUGH DOWN YEAR Highlanders hold 1-6 record as end of season nears TANNER COERR ONLINE SPORTS EDITOR
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ver the summer of 2021, McLean football became an entirely new team. Varsity staples like quarterback Bijan Soltani, offensive lineman Nicky Varela and running back Ryan Jessar graduated, leaving the squad with only two returning starters. “It’s a chance to go back to the drawing board and put the right players in the right spots,” McLean football staff member Matt Kelly said. “[We want to] keep things simple and make the transition period as graceful as possible.” McLean’s first win came in week three after 30-0 and 46-14 losses to West Potomac and Marshall, respectively. They beat the Thomas Edison Eagles in a nail-biter, winning 16-13 by way of a last-minute touchdown from wide receiver Nicholas Halteh. Anyone who has attended a varsity game this season knows who Halteh is. “Hey-Hey” Halteh has been the most electric player on the team, routinely breaking off long plays on receptions and returns. His ability to turn a lost play into a huge gain has made him a focal point of the Highlander offense. “Our receiver corps is really strong,” junior wide receiver Calvin Thinley said. “Nick Halteh is incredibly fast. Quinn Sullivan is such a great ball catcher and route runner. It’s great to have.” McLean has stuck with a run-heavy offense, with carries being split between sophomore Kaelan Ferris and junior Danny Benitez. The pound-the-rock method has yielded strong results in the red zone. The Highlanders have shown a lot of promise thus far, but it has yet to translate into victories. This slow start hasn’t made for any lost energy among the players, though. “We’re trying our best to win games,” Thinley said. “We want to do this for the city of Mactown.” McLean fans have let nothing deter them to this point, showing up in droves at every game at Basil Harless Stadium. That dedication is not lost on the players. “The fans are the greatest thing to have behind our backs,” Thinley said. McLean will close out their season against their rivals, the Langley Saxons, in an away game on Nov. 5. The Highlanders will travel to Langley High with the goal of extending their winning streak over their nemesis to three straight seasons. 42 | SPORTS | OCTOBER 2021
In the trenches — McLean’s defensive line prepares for
a goal line stand against the Edison High Eagles. The Highlanders would leave the game victorious with a 16-13 win.
SCAN HERE FOR MCLEAN FOOTBALL GAME RECAPS
the highlander faithful — The McLean student section
roars in support of their football team in a home game against Fairfax on Sept. 17. The students were splashed with color in accordance with the “Paint Out” theme. Photos by Tanner Coerr | Page design by Taylor Olson
