Lone Tree and Highland Unite for a Revived Football Season
Lone Tree High School and Highland High School, located just 13 miles apart, have combined their football programs after a season without varsity play. The merger comes as both schools have seen enrollment drop by more than 24 percent since 2019, a decline that made it impossible to field enough players for an 8‑man schedule.
Under the guidance of head coach Thayne McElhinney, the new combined squad fields 29 athletes and will field both junior‑varsity and varsity teams throughout the upcoming season. The program marks a return to traditional 11‑man football, a shift that requires every player to adapt to a larger, more conventional lineup.
Former rivals now share the same sideline, a dynamic that has been both challenging and rewarding. Garrett Beeson reflected on last year’s cancellation, noting a lingering frustration that has now been replaced by a collective drive. Jackson Bandow emphasized the emotional weight of returning to varsity competition, including a planned homecoming game that will showcase the merged team to the community.
Coach McElhinney acknowledges that enrollment pressures remain, but he says player interest has stayed strong. The coaching staff has focused on building chemistry, emphasizing teamwork over individual standout performances as the squad transitions from an 8‑man to an 11‑man format.
The revival of the program has sparked optimism among families and alumni, who hope the combined effort will reverse recent declines and rekindle school spirit. With a homecoming match scheduled early in the season, the team aims to demonstrate that cooperation across rival schools can produce a stronger, more unified athletic identity.