Fortunately for Piedmont, the Raiders’ recent win did not seem to upset the alignment of the cosmos nor anger the football gods.

The Highlanders continued their undefeated 2014 run with a 55-43 win over McKinleyville on Friday night.

The Highlanders jumped ahead with three early touchdowns, but McKinleyville countered with two touchdowns of its own in the second quarter, and the game stayed close throughout the second half.

Junior Gabe Watson scored Piedmont’s first six touchdowns, one by way of a 45-yard sprint. Seniors Connor Garrett and Hunter Abel scored Piedmont’s final two touchdowns.

Senior Joe Cumbelich contributed two sacks, and quarterback junior Miles Kim was flawless in his delivery. Kicker senior Andrew Strauch made every kick save one while senior Fiachra Collins blocked the Panthers first PAT and forced McKinleyville to attempt two-point conversions for the rest of the night.

Although they never lead the game, the McKinleyville Panthers certainly kept it exciting.

“This is a good game. They have a really good receiver, quarterback, and tight end. Gonna be a tight one,” said Piedmont resident Paul Gray at half time.

Both of Gray’s sons played football at Piedmont High, and he has been coming to the games sporadically in the years since. His attendance has increased recently since his neighbor, Cole Gruendl, has been on the team.

“Even before they were doing so well, we wanted to see Cole,” Gray said. “He grew up sneaking into our house and eating M&M’s and gumdrops.”

Gray said he always reads about the football team in the Piedmont Post, and he has to come every game this season save a few in October when he was out of town.

“This is very, very exciting. I mean, what’s nice is it brings the community together,” Gray said. “I’ve never seen the stands so full, I’ve never seen this much fun. People are really enjoying themselves.”

Sophomore Hunter Stern has also attended most of the football games this season.

“I like supporting the team, and I like the environment,” Stern said.

He played football on Piedmont’s JV team this season, but was sidelined for much of the season with an injury.

Stern said NCS does not feel much different from regular season games.

“Just our varsity team doing what they do best,” he said.

Eighth-grader Chelsea Fox has been to 5 or 6 games this year, and she thought there were more people at the game than usual because it was NCS.

“It’s just fun to watch and I usually come with my friends,” Fox said.

With their win last night, the Highlanders will play Justin-Siena on Friday, Nov. 28. The game will be played at Witter Field and it begins at 7pm.