Vincent slings Highland to first home playoff win since 2020

POCATELLO — Highland’s Jacob Vincent was at his best when his team needed him most. The senior quarterback matched his season-high in touchdown passes, delivering Highland its first home playoff win in six years.

For his performance in guiding the Rams (5-5) the 31-0 victory over the Lake City Timberwolves (6-1), Vincent has been named the East Idaho Sports District 5 Athlete of the Week.

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Due to a sizable lead and effectiveness running the ball, Vincent’s role in the second half was quite limited. Of his 164 passing yards, 157 came in the first half. And all three of his scoring throws were made before halftime.

Vincent’s 78% completion rate Saturday was his second-highest of the season — to the 84% he posted against Century on Sept. 25. His three touchdowns matched the season high he had already achieved twice this season — against Century and Captial, on Sept. 11.

The performance broke Highland’s quarterback from a slump that spanned nearly a month. Before the playoff win, Vincent had compiled just 366 passing yards over the previous four games (91.5 yards per game). In that same stretch, he had thrown four interceptions and without a single touchdown pass.

After Saturday’s game, Highland head coach Nick Sorrell spoke about Vincent’s growth during his senior campaign. At times this year, Sorrell said, Vincent has failed to find open receivers, not properly progressing through his reads.

On Saturday, the coach added, Vincent took advantage of all the chances he received.

“We gave him an opportunity — we finally played some conditions that were pass-worthy,” Sorrell said. “He went out and executed. He went through his reads and found the open guys.”

Highland advances to take on Eagle (6-3). The Rams faced the Mustangs on Aug. 21, losing 33-28. Vincent completed 25 of 42 pass attempts for 241 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception in that Week 0 game. Sorrell and the Rams will need a performance closer to last week’s in order to earn a road win on Friday at Eagle High School.