The Coach Loran Cooley era starts out tonight at home against WPIAL powerhouse Woodland Hills.

Confidence within the locker room is high leading into Cooley’s debut with the Fighting Highlanders, players said.

“Last year we were unsure going into games. Now we’re confident under Cooley,” junior defensive end Elyon Phiri said.

The Highlanders aim to turn the program around after a few underwhelming seasons, and the new coaching staff is instilling hope in the team.

“We have one of the best coaching staffs in the WPIAL,” Phiri said. “We’re now more prepared and ready.”

For Friday’s game, there has yet to be a starting quarterback named publicly. The battle for the starting role is between senior Jeremy Jenkins and sophomore Mason Stahl.

“We have two great quarterbacks. It will be a pleasure to have either,” Phiri said.
The team is not backing down from a challenging season opener.

“This game will help us predict how the season will go. It would be great to get a win,” Jenkins said.