‘Highlight Hiland’ Giving MC Football Reasons To Be Excited

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(October 3, 2021 8:00 AM) A commentator for JTV called Michigan Center High School senior slot back Kaydin Hiland “Highlight Hiland.”

And for good reason.

Through six games – in which Michigan Center is 5-1 – the senior running back has scored 18 touchdowns, has rushed for more than 800 yards, has more than 1,200 all-purpose yards, has recorded three passing touchdowns, and been on the receiving end of four touchdown passes.

On defense, the senior safety has four interceptions.

In other words, he is a human highlight film just waiting to happen. 

But Hiland knows there are 10 other players helping him to have that highlight kind of season.

“I couldn’t have done it without my team,” Hiland said after an 18-13 homecoming win over Manchester on Friday. “We don’t look at one another as friends … we are a great family who follows the Cardinal way.

“We are very close.”

So close the teammates spent hours this summer lifting in preparation for the 2021 season. Michigan Center won a district title last year, but lost in the regional round to Constantine after nearly half of the team was out with COVID-19 symptoms or injured.

“We know that we have the potential to go far this season,” Hiland said. “We need to finish the season strong.” 

Hiland may be a rare combination of the strongest and the fastest player on the Cardinal team. 

He can bench press 285, squat 440, and deadlift 535 pounds.

Hiland expected to play at the varsity level as a sophomore but broke his hand in game one and his arm in game two.

“I walked around with two casts on,” Hiland said. 

He said it was humbling after working so hard to get to the varsity level.

Hiland rushed for 670 yards in eight games and caught 250 yards in passes last year. He finished the season with 13 touchdowns for the Cardinals. 

This year he is averaging 140 yards per game despite limited carries. 

Hiland would like to play college football and has come interest in Concordia College or Alma College.

“I want to be able to play college football,” Hiland said. “If that does not work out I will get into the construction trades.”

Hiland has a grade point average of over 3.0 and was named as homecoming king on Friday during the halftime ceremony.

So far in 2021 for Hiland, it is good to be the king.