Meet Isaiah Johnson.

Highland’s junior running back announced his presence with authority last week in his first varsity start.

“Lawrence (Cotton) hurt his knee during the week and didn’t get to practice the whole week,” Scots head coach Randy Albano said. “We started Isaiah, and he took advantage of it. He played really well. He ran the ball well.”

Johnson, playing just his fourth game of the season, rushed for 294 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries in a 36-6 dismantling of Greenfield-Central.

The win came just a week after Highland fell 49-23 to rival Pendleton Heights, the Cougars’ Hoosier Heritage Conference compatriot.

Johnson had a simple explanation for the vast turnaround.

“We didn’t play good against Pendleton,” he said.

The Scots needed last week’s performance for a number of reasons.

Highland hadn’t put together a truly impressive outing since a thrilling 49-41 victory against then-Class 2A No. 1 Heritage Christian on Sept. 4.

A 27-20 victory at Olympic Athletic Conference rival Jay County followed, and the Scots split the final six games of the regular season.

They entered the sectional with two losses in their previous three games, and the defense seemed to be of particular concern.

“(Big plays) have been our problem all year,” Albano said. “Most of the scores against us have come on big plays.”

Highland avoided allowing the quick strikes against Greenfield, and it will look to make Mount Vernon earn each yard tonight.

The Marauders are the opponent in the second round of the sectional at Anderson University’s Machholtz Stadium.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.