Highland Tops Strongsville in Thriller

Strongsville, OH: Despite falling behind early, the Highland Hornets (1-1) never backed down and came away with a 31-27 win over the Strongsville Mustangs (1-1). After losing quarterback Jonathan Prucha in the third quarter following a hard hit, Anthony DePompei stepped in and led the Hornets to victory. DePompei finished with 72 yards and a touchdown on the ground, along with three catches for 73 yards and a 32-yard completion. For the Mustangs, running back Austin Tatulinski led the way with 116 yards and a touchdown.

First Half

Strongsville received the opening kickoff and wasted no time in marching down the field. Tatulinski carried the ball nine times on the drive, and got into the end zone on a one-yard plunge to put the Mustangs up 7-0 early. Highland would then move the ball to edge of the red zone, and scored on a 38-yard field goal by Jonah Kowza to make it 7-3.

Early in the second quarter, the Mustangs set up shop on their own 35-yard line. Strongsville got a huge boost on the second play of the drive, as the Hornets were called for pass interference and Head Coach Mike Gibbons picked up an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, giving the Mustangs 30 yards. Two plays later, Kendrick Boddie took the handoff in for a three-yard touchdown, extending the Strongsville lead to 14-3.

Both sides would trade punts on their ensuing possessions, and Highland began their next drive on their own 20. On second down, Prucha connected with DePompei for a huge 48-yard completion. On second and goal, DePompei went right up the middle for a three-yard touchdown. Following the extra point, the Hornets drew closer at 14-10.

Highland forced their second punt in as many possessions, and began their final drive of the half at their own 33 with 1:34 remaining in the half. Another big completion from Prucha to DePompei moved the ball across midfield. Two plays later, Prucha hooked up with Ben Radigan for a 48-yard touchdown, putting the Hornets on top 17-14.

Strongsville would quickly work their way into Highland territory, but their 45-yard field goal attempt was blocked, giving the Hornets a 17-14 lead at the break.

Second Half

Highland received the second half kickoff, and put together one of the more methodical, long drives that is rarely seen in high school football. Facing an early third down, Prucha was crushed after throwing a pass, late enough that the referee threw the flag for roughing the passer. It appeared to be a potential knockout blow, but Prucha returned a few plays later and connected with Radigan for a 38-yard completion. Highland worked the ball all the way to the 10, but a 27-yard field goal attempt was blocked. While they did not come away with any points, the Hornets ran over eight minutes off of the third quarter clock.

Following a three-and-out from the Mustangs, Highland began their next possession in Strongsville territory. It appeared as if the Mustangs would force a punt, but the return was fumbled and the Hornets picked it up at the Strongsville 33. After working the ball inside the 10, Evan Foust took a third down handoff five yards for a Highland touchdown, putting the Hornets up 24-14.

Needing a score to keep it within striking distance, Strongsville put together one of their more impressive drives of the evening. Mixing in both the pass and the run, the Mustangs put together a ten-play drive and got on the board with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Jack Kasner to Colin Tobias, making it 24-21 midway through the fourth.

With just under five minutes remaining, the Mustangs attempted an onside kick and recovered, giving them first and ten at the Highland 34-yard line. Four plays later, Nick Carrossellia carried the ball 19 yards for a Strongsville touchdown. After the Hornets blocked the extra point, the Mustangs held a 27-24 lead with 2:35 to go.

Down their starting quarterback, Highland began the ensuing possession at their own 20. DePompei had taken a lot of snaps from the quarterback position, but ran it each time. Just as the Mustangs sold out to stop the run, DePompei connected with Jake Weber for a 32-yard completion. Two plays later, Evan Foust would run over an official on his way to a 13-yard score, putting the Hornets back on top 31-27 with 1:11 to go.

Unfortunately for Strongsville, the offense could not get anything going, turning the ball over on downs. Two handoffs to Foust and a kneel from DePompei sealed it, giving Highland their first victory of the season 31-27.

Keys to the Game

It is hard to score without the ball in your hands, and the Highland Hornets put on a time of possession masterclass in the second half. On their opening possession of the half, Highland drained 8:17 off of the game clock. Up until their last possession of the contest with just over a minute remaining, Strongsville only had the ball a total of 6:51 in the half.

Top Performers

Highland Hornets

Anthony DePompei: 18 carries 72 yards TD   3 catches 73 yards   1-1 32 yards

Jonathan Prucha: 5-8 121 yards TD

Strongsville Mustangs

Austin Tatulinski: 18 carries 116 yards TD

Jack Kasner: 11-17 119 yards TD

Kendrick Boddie: 5 carries 38 yards TD

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Strongsville 6:25- Austin Tatulinski, 1-yard run (kick good)

Highland 3:25- Jonah Kowza 38-yard field goal

2nd Quarter

Strongsville 11:29- Kendrick Boddie, 3-yard run (kick good)

Highland 4:26- Anthony DePompei, 2-yard run (kick good)

Highland 0:29- Jonathan Prucha to Ben Radigan, 48 yards (kick good)

4th Quarter

Highland 9:13- Evan Foust, 2-yard run (kick good)

Strongsville 4:46- Jack Kasner to Colin Tobias, 10 yards (kick good)

Strongsville 2:35- Nick Carrossellia, 19-yard run (kick blocked)

Highland 1:11- Evan Foust, 13-yard run (kick good)