The Mclean Highlanders gave their fans plenty to cheer about on homecoming night, edging out the Marshall Statesmen at 22-20 in a tense finish that came down to the final drive.

McLean jumped out to an early lead when senior tight end Aidan Reid scored the first touchdown of the game followed up with a successful two-point conversion.

The Highlanders led 8-0 before Marshall answered with a touchdown of their own, cutting the lead to 8-6. The rest of the first half was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find a consistent rhythm on offense.

Coming out of halftime, the stingy defense forced a big stop, and momentum appeared to be fully in McLean’s favor.

The Highlanders controlled possession through most of the third quarter, using a balanced attack that mixed short passes and tough runs between the tackles. The offensive line opened up key holes for junior running back Finn Thompson, while the defense continued to pressure Marshall’s quarterback.

The ball control allowed McLean to strike twice in the third quarter, extending the lead to 22–6 heading into the fourth. The Highlanders appeared to be in complete control, with the Homecoming crowd sensing a comfortable win.

However, that comfort was short lived, as Marshall ran back a kickoff for a touchdown to close the gap to a score. Then a long drive, aided by Highlander penalties, gave Marshall life as they scored another touchdown to shrink the lead down to two. Suddenly, what had seemed like a secure victory was in jeopardy.

McLean’s defense, however, rose to the occasion. With just under three minutes remaining, Marshall began its final drive near midfield, looking to complete the comeback. The Highlanders’ defensive front held firm, forcing key incompletions and a game sealing fumble.

“It got a little too close at the end, but we stuck together and finished strong,” said sophomore tackle Enzo Wang. “Everyone was giving it their all on that last drive. We wanted this one for the seniors and for Homecoming.”

This win gives the Highlanders a much needed boost heading into next week’s rivalry matchup against Langley. The team will look to carry their Homecoming momentum into the annual rivalry game, a game that always brings out the best from both teams.

“We have been in close games all year,” head coach Joe Cockerham said. “It took every ounce of support to win this game.”

The victory was a statement for a McLean squad that has battled through ups and downs this season. The Highlanders’ ability to build a commanding lead and withstand late pressure showed growth on both sides of the ball. The offensive line, anchored by sophomores, held its own against a physical Marshall defense, while McLean’s playmakers continued to step up in key moments.

“This week before Langley is huge,” Wang said. “We’re going to clean some things up and come out ready to go. We want to keep this feeling going.”

With Homecoming memories still fresh and confidence building, McLean will look to carry the energy from Friday’s thriller into next week’s rivalry showdown. If the Highlanders can channel the same determination they showed against Marshall, the rivalry game might just be won by McLean.

“The support from every single one of the students was unbelievable.” Cockerham said. “This is the start of something special.”