Lake Highlands High School’s Jerry Gayden is starting his second year as the head coach of the football team, and he’s expecting the team to repeat last year’s appearance at the state’s semi-finals.

“We always expect that around here,” Gayden says.

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The Wildcats toughest competition this fall is expected to be North Mesquite, Plano and Plano East, Gayden says.

The Wildcats have 38 returning senior varsity players, and a total of 84 players who are juniors and seniors.

“We came along very well in spring practice. Our young kids grew up and matured,” Gayden says.

Senior Davaren Hightower is this year’s quarterback replacing Marcus Stiggers, who is expected to for the University of Colorado in Boulder this fall.

Hightower was second-string quarterback and starting halfback last year.

Gayden says Hightower, Sam Needum, a starting fullback, and Keith Carey, a starting linebacker, are going to be key players for the team this fall.

The Wildcats will play their first game Sept. 6 against A&M Consolidated at Wildcat Stadium at 8 p.m.