The Highlanders finished the 2025 campaign with a 9‑4 record, capping the year with a hard‑fought run to the 4A state championship game. Although the team fell to Northwood Academy in the final, the victory over eight‑time defending champion Hammond in the semifinals underscored the program’s resurgence under head coach Tymere Zimmerman.
A New Chapter for the Highlanders
Zimmerman, who praised the departed senior class as one of the most talented in recent memory, now faces the task of integrating fresh talent while preserving the culture that propelled the team to the title game. The coaching staff has emphasized continuity in practice routines, with summer sessions drawing an average of 60 participants daily and peaking at over 90 students in the weight room.
Among the notable departures is quarterback Patrick Belk, who leaves after throwing for 2,264 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2025. His successor, transfer student Harrison Hartley, brings a 6‑3, 220‑pound frame and a reputation for poise under pressure. Zimmerman expects Hartley to step up under center and guide the offense into a new chapter.
The receiving corps will retain senior Keon McKinley, who posted 56 catches for 756 yards and three touchdowns last season, while also contributing on defense as a safety. Junior Alan Rodriguez, a transfer from Cardinal Newman known for his speed and playmaking ability, is expected to add a dynamic spark to the lineup.
On the offensive line, senior Hill Belser will anchor the unit alongside veterans A.J. Morgan and Levi Glass. Both Morgan and Glass have been praised for their consistency and leadership in the trenches. Meanwhile, sophomore Jackson Dickerson, a standout basketball player, is slated to receive an expanded role at running back, leveraging his agility and vision.
Defensively, juniors Cole Moore and Evan Johnson will line up as defensive ends, while Heyward Belser will serve as middle linebacker, providing depth and experience at the heart of the defense. Senior safety Liam Edwards, whose academic achievements have attracted interest from several Ivy League institutions, is expected to be a cornerstone of the secondary.
The coaching staff has also highlighted the emergence of junior Alan Rodriguez and the potential impact of transfer Harrison Hartley, both of whom are expected to elevate the team's competitiveness. With a core group of returning seniors and promising newcomers, Heathwood Hall aims to translate its recent success into a sustained winning tradition.
Beyond the field, the program’s growth is evident in its community engagement and academic performance. Liam Edwards exemplifies this blend of athletic and scholarly excellence, drawing attention from top universities for his balanced skill set. The Highlanders’ trajectory suggests that the 2026 season could be another milestone in a program that has not reached a state final since 2009.