Four-star nationally rated running back Jeff Jones’ sixth touchdown -- a 1-yard run late in the game -- gave Minneapolis Washburn a 56-50 victory over St. Paul Highland Park in Friday night’s home opener.

The city schools traded points all night. The third quarter saw a combined 36 points and gave both teams’ defenses little time to rest.

Jones proved to be the biggest game-changer. He rushed for 152 yards, returned a kickoff for 85 yards and had 95 receiving yards.

“It’s a blessing to be able to play like that. I feel like I have a lot to prove this season,” Jones said. “I didn’t have the junior year I wanted. Now I have to step up the whole season.”

The season didn’t begin as he would have liked. He had just four yards and fumbled in the first quarter. That changed in the second quarter after the Millers fell behind 18-6. He rushed for 51 yards in the following drive to score his first score of the season and lead to 18 straight Washburn points.

Jones battled cramps throughout the second half, but his presence never faded after his first score of the night.

Highland Park quarterback Paul Munoz threw for 237 yards and three touchdowns. His favorite target, Isaiah Brower had 107 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The Scots tied the game, 50-50, with 2:29 left, but couldn’t stop Jones.

“I expected a high scoring game, but I didn’t expect it to get that out of hand,” Munoz said.

Key of the game: The quick-footed Jones did plenty with his 19 carries, but it was one of his three receptions that made the biggest impact on the game. He took a 6-yard pass on the left side of the field and turned it into a 42-yard gain into the red zone with under 1:30 to play. He juked three defenders before finding the space he needed across the field. He scored the winning touchdown four plays later.

Quote of the night:You can’t [stop Jeff Jones]. He’s a monster. …You don’t really see [moves] like that in our league. You only see that on Sunday.” — Highland Park quarterback Paul Munoz

One thing to know: Munoz didn’t expect so much from his first start. The senior completed 18 of 28 passes. At one point, he completed six consecutive passes that included two touchdowns. Munoz said the Scots went to the air because of Washburn’s bigger bodies, but he didn't expect so much success so early in the season.

JASON GONZALEZ