Highland Triumphs With Standout Performance from Jace Harris

Highland senior defensive end Jace Harris made a significant impact in the first series against Whiting, making a tackle for a loss. The 6-foot, 280-pound athlete also pressured the quarterback, leading to an errant pass. Harris, who also plays on the offensive line for the Trojans, expressed satisfaction with his performance. ‘I feel like I was doing really well getting off the ball on defense, closing my gap, making those tackles,’ he said. He praised both the offensive and defensive lines. ‘It all starts with the line, it starts with us and ended with us. I’m just trying to do as much as I can for my team.’

Harris played a key role in securing the Trojans’ first victory under interim coach Jimmy McCormack. The team achieved a 50-7 win. Last season, Harris recorded 54 tackles, including 12 for loss, after transferring from Crete-Monee in Illinois. He made the Class 4A junior all-state team. Against the Oilers, Harris added three tackles for loss to his record.

‘Jace is a great player,’ coach Jimmy McCormack said. ‘He’s an incredible ballplayer for us. He had a rough start last week against Griffith, but he bounced back really well.’

At Crete-Monee, Harris started as a backup but became an all-conference defensive lineman by his sophomore year. He later joined the offensive line, a position he hadn’t played since middle school. ‘It was hard, but I adjusted,’ Harris noted. Since joining Highland, he credits the coaches and teammates for their support. ‘Transferring felt like a new life, and everyone did a great job helping me.’

Junior quarterback Aaron McCormack praised Harris’ contributions. ‘Jace is a great athlete. He brings a lot of energy, a big part of this program.’

In the same game, freshman wide receiver Jonathon Lee returned the opening kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown, showing immediate promise. Lee also caught two passes for 33 yards. Junior quarterback/running back Julian Madrueno scored Whiting’s lone touchdown with a 76-yard run.

Highland, under the leadership of Jimmy McCormack, remains undefeated against Whiting since 2021. McCormack, a 2010 Morton graduate and experienced assistant, was pleased with the team’s performance. ‘The kids met my expectations. I wanted them to compete for four quarters, and the scoreboard shows we succeeded.’

‘When we come together, we do great,’ Harris concluded, reflecting on the teamwork that led to their victory.