For the second straight year, an unranked Highland team has defeated a ranked Dodge City team in the first game of the year. This year, the Scotties defeated a No. 15 Dodge City team 26-21 on the road in the season opener.
 
After two touchdowns by Dodge City in the first quarter the Scotties found themselves down by 12 early.
 
A 66-yard touchdown run by Kevin Brown with 2:11 left in the first quarter cut the Highland deficit to five, 12-7 Conqs lead.
 
Highland would get on the board one more time before the half with a 30-yard William Solomon field goal closing the gap to two, 12-10. That was the first attempted Highland field goal since the 2015 season as the Scotties didn't attempt a field goal last season.
 
Dodge City led it at the half 12-10.
 
The Conquistadors would strike first in the 3^rd quarter after a 24-yard Guillory field goal.
 
On the ensuing possession, QB Kyle Kearns connected with sophomore WR Ronnie Jamison for a 62-yard touchdown reception. Highland took a 16-15 lead with 8:47 left in the 3^rd quarter.
 
William Solomon would extend the Highland lead after capping off a 15-play, 47-yard drive knocking down a 28-yard field goal and giving the Scotties a 19-15 lead.
 
Kearns would throw his second touchdown pass of the night with 9:20 left in the game this time connecting with tight-end Eriquan Price for an 8-yard touchdown reception. Highland led the Conqs 26-15 under 10 minutes to play.
 
Dodge City would find the end zone one last time after a 5-yard Walters pass to Hanks with 1:28 left in the game but would not be enough as the Scotties would walk away with the victory 26-21.
 
Head Coach Aaron Arnold after the game, "When you play on the road against great teams, you'll have to win the special teams battle and tonight we did that. It was huge to be able to kick a field goal. Isaiah Gray had a great punt return that gave us a spark that we really needed in the second half. In the end, our ability to score on special teams won us the game."

Kevin Brown led the Scotties in rushing carrying the ball nine times for 110 yards, breaking a 66-yard rushing touchdown in the first. Willie Jordan also had 23 carries for 63 yards. Sophomore Kyle Kearns led the Scotties through the air completing 6-14 passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Ronnie Jamison had three receptions for 85-yards and a touchdown.

On the defensive side, Jeremiah Hill chalked up 12 tackles while corenerbacks Isaiah Gray and Domonique Williams each had seven. Darius Johnson had one interception and two broken up passes.

Highland will host the defending NJCAA National Champions, Garden City CC, next Saturday, September 2^nd, in HCC's home opener from Kessinger Field. Garden City defeated Ellsworth 31-7 in their first game of the season.