Friday, September 5th, was the Giants’ home opener at Wolters Field, and possibly the biggest game of their season. It was an evening full of drama as Highland Park squared off against conference rival Deerfield.

Junior quarterback Gustav Crane had only started in one game prior to this, as it was his home debut. The game was back and forth the whole time, as the two teams battled each other for the whole 60 minutes. With each play, there was more intensity and pressure added onto the next, and at times, it got pretty chippy.

When the first half ended, the HP Band performed an amazing Wicked-themed halftime show, while the Pom-Pon squad dazzled the crowd with their first performance of the year.

After halftime, HP exploded from the locker room and the second half got off to a great start. With the game tied 21-21 and 1:38 left in the game, the Giants drove down the field and scored the go-ahead touchdown with nine seconds remaining. Lehigh football commit, Max Dubin, kicked the extra point through the uprights to put HP up seven points against their District 113 rival.

The home stands erupted in celebration after the victory. The varsity team ran and jumped over the fence to the student section to celebrate the enormous win with friends, family, and classmates.