Dunedin Highlanders Dominate Home Opener with 48-12 Win Over St. Petersburg Chargers

DUNEDIN, FL- The Dunedin Highlanders made a statement in their inaugural home opener, overwhelming the St. Petersburg Chargers 48-12 at Freedom Field on Saturday night. The Highlanders stormed out of the gates, racking up a 20-0 lead by the end of the first quarter and never looked back.

Blazing Start Sets the Tone

The Highlanders wasted no time asserting their dominance. Quarterback Nate Munson had a day for himself, throwing multiple touchdown passes, and adding a rushing touchdown of his own. His playmaking ability set the tone for an explosive offensive performance, earning him the title of Highlander of the Game. “We have plenty to work on, but shoutout to my O-line tonight. They made my job easy,” Munson said after the game, crediting his offensive line for the team’s success.

The wide receiver corps was on fire as well. Biz Poole made an impressive catch early in the game, hauling in a bullet pass from Munson to ignite the momentum. Michael Minges took advantage of the Chargers’ defensive struggles, scoring two touchdowns, while Ryan Henson added another before stepping in as the Highlanders’ quarterback later in the game. Dunedin stayed red-hot throughout the first half, surging to a commanding 38-0 lead just minutes before halftime.

Three-Headed Rushing Attack Wears Down Chargers

Dunedin’s ground game was nearly unstoppable, led by the trio of Chris Melton, Darius Daniels, and Mareece Sturgis. The three backs tore through the Chargers’ defense, combining for multiple touchdowns and a slew of yardage. St. Petersburg had no answer for their powerful running attack, which kept the chains moving and the scoreboard ticking.

Defense Smothers Chargers’ Offense

The Highlanders’ defense was relentless, shutting down the Chargers’ passing and rushing attacks. The defensive line, anchored by Chris Palasky and Ali Salam, consistently pressured the quarterback, resulting in multiple sacks. St. Petersburg struggled to find any offensive rhythm, with their running backs unable to break free and their passing game failing to gain traction.

The Highlanders also forced key turnovers. DJ Barber snagged a momentum-killing interception just before halftime, while Matthew Stewart recovered a fumble to keep the Chargers on their heels. Special teams added to the defensive dominance when Dylan Morse recovered a botched punt, setting up Dunedin with excellent field position.

Throughout the game, players like Austin Baker, Tony Colon, TJ Lawrence, and Jack Rothe made key plays to ensure the Chargers never found momentum. Their contributions on both defense and special teams kept St. Petersburg frustrated and out of sync.

Special Teams Shine

Highlanders kicker Justin Lawrence had a strong outing, going four for six on extra points. Remarkably, he is now just one kick away from matching his total from last season after only two games. Cliff Lespinasse also made his presence felt, booting two touchbacks to keep the Chargers pinned deep in their own territory.

A Moment of Sportsmanship

Despite the lopsided score, the night ended on a unifying note as both teams came together for a post-game prayer, led by Highlanders wide receiver Isaiah Thomas. It was a moment that reflected the sportsmanship and mutual respect between the teams, even after the intense competition.

Looking Ahead 

The Highlanders will look to keep their momentum rolling as they hit the road for their next matchup against the Florida Warhawks in Winter Park, Florida. This AA division battle will be crucial for both teams, as the Warhawks currently hold a 1-2 record and are coming off a 12-6 loss to the 352 Tigers. Dunedin, currently ranked #1 in the AA division, will aim to build on its dominant performance and continue its strong start to the season, looking to keep that top ranking intact.

Go Highlanders!

(Cover Photo Credit: Teri Wood)