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Ladue Rams Dominate Parkway Central in 49-21 Victory

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. s-dominate-parkway-central-in-49-21-victory.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, February 21st 2026 at 0:01 GMT by St. Louis Post-Dispatch
      Locales: Missouri, UNITED STATES

Ladue, MO - February 21, 2026 - The Ladue Rams sent a resounding message to the Missouri high school football landscape Friday night, dismantling Parkway Central 49-21 in a display of offensive prowess. The victory pushes the Rams to 4-1 on the season and firmly establishes them as a team to watch in the upcoming playoff push. While a single win doesn't guarantee postseason success, the manner in which Ladue achieved this victory suggests a team capable of making a deep run.

The Rams' offensive explosion was spearheaded by senior quarterback Charlie Batten, who delivered a masterful performance, throwing for a remarkable 338 yards and four touchdowns. Batten wasn't just a passer; he also contributed with his legs, adding a rushing touchdown to his tally. This dual-threat capability makes him particularly difficult for opposing defenses to contain.

Complementing Batten's performance was senior running back Dylan Higgins, who consistently churned out yardage, finishing with an impressive 181 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. Higgins' ability to consistently gain positive yardage, even when facing stacked boxes, provided a crucial balance to the Rams' attack and kept the Parkway Central defense honest. The combination of Batten's passing threat and Higgins' running ability proved to be a lethal formula.

The receiving corps also shone brightly. Senior Nathan Lange was Batten's primary target, hauling in eight receptions for 164 yards and two touchdowns. He consistently beat his defender and made contested catches, proving to be a game-changer. Senior Ethan Thorne added another dimension to the passing game, recording six receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown. The chemistry between Batten and both Lange and Thorne was evident, with pinpoint passes and excellent route running.

"I thought our offensive line did a great job tonight," said Ladue coach Mike MacMillan, rightly acknowledging the unsung heroes of the Rams' success. "They gave Charlie time to throw and created running lanes for Dylan. Our receivers made some great catches, and Charlie managed the game really well." MacMillan's emphasis on the offensive line highlights the crucial role they played in setting the stage for the Rams' offensive fireworks.

While the Ladue offense stole the show, Parkway Central wasn't without its own offensive contributions. Senior quarterback Jamal Phillips threw for 241 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating his own passing ability. However, the Colts simply couldn't match the Rams' overall offensive output or contain their explosive plays. Parkway Central's defense struggled to consistently pressure Batten and contain Higgins, leading to the high scoring affair.

This game wasn't just about the stats; it highlighted a clear pattern of improvement for the Ladue Rams. Earlier in the season, their offense showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. Friday night's performance demonstrates a newfound maturity and execution, suggesting the team is peaking at the right time. Coach MacMillan's leadership and ability to refine the offensive scheme appear to be paying dividends.

Looking ahead, Ladue faces a challenging matchup against Kirkwood next Friday night. Kirkwood is known for its stout defense, so the Rams will need to maintain their offensive momentum to secure another victory. The coaching staff will likely focus on game planning strategies to exploit any weaknesses in the Kirkwood defensive line. For Parkway Central, the loss is a setback, but they will look to rebound next week against Hazelwood West. The Colts will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and find ways to generate more consistent offense.

The Ladue Rams' dominant win over Parkway Central has not only improved their record but also sent a clear signal to the rest of the league: they are a serious contender. The combination of a talented quarterback, a powerful running back, and a dynamic receiving corps, all supported by a strong offensive line, makes them a formidable opponent. If they can maintain this level of play, Ladue has the potential to go far this season.