Three Fourth-Quarter Interceptions Power Highland Past Brecksville

Granger Twp., OH: The Highland Hornets (10-1) forced three fourth quarter interceptions to take down Brecksville-Broadview Heights (7-5) 31-7. Leading 17-7 in the fourth quarter, the Hornets got interceptions from Owen Zielinski, Evan Foust, and Jake Weber, with Weber taking his 26 yards for a touchdown with just a minute left. Levi Clark led the ground game for Highland, rushing for 59 yards and a touchdown on six carries. The Bees were led by Tut Matchittom who ran for 88 yards on five carries, including a 74-yard run that set up Brecksville’s lone touchdown.

First Half

Highland received the opening kickoff but did not have the ball for long, producing a quick three-and-out. Brecksville would find some success on their first drive, reaching the Hornets’ 48 before being forced to punt. Each side’s next possession followed the same script, ending in punts.

The Hornets began their third drive with great field position at their own 48. A big completion from Colton Wadle to Evan Foust picked up 31 yards and moved the ball inside the Bees’ five-yard line. Three plays later, Foust plowed in from two yards out to put Highland in front 7-0 late in the first.

Both defenses came out strong on the next two possessions, with each side forcing the opposing offense into a three-and-out. With 10:25 remaining in the second quarter, Brecksville began their drive at their own 18. On second down, Tut Matchittom burst out of the backfield and sprinted for a 74-yard gain to the Highland 4. Two plays later, Christopher Soeder took the quarterback keeper up the middle for a touchdown. The extra point sailed through the uprights, tying the score at 7-7.

Set up by a great return, Highland began the ensuing drive at the Brecksville 41. On the fourth play of the drive, Levi Clark took the handoff 30 yards for a touchdown. Jonah Kowza’s extra point went right down the middle, putting the Hornets in front 14-7 midway through the second.

After forcing Brecksville into another three-and-out, Highland started their next drive near midfield. The Hornets were able to work the ball near the red zone, but a holding penalty knocked them out of field goal range. Kowza drilled a perfect punt that was downed at the 1, putting Brecksville in danger to start their next drive.

With 2:30 remaining, Brecksville ran the rest of the time off the first half clock without reaching the 20. When the halftime whistle sounded, Highland was in front 14-7.

Second Half

Brecksville received the second half kickoff, but were forced into yet another three-and-out. Highland began the drive at their own 40, and were able to work the ball down inside the red zone. Unfortunately for the Hornets, an intentional grounding penalty on third down backed them up to the 34. Kowza, one of the best kickers in the state of Ohio, came on for a 51-yard field goal attempt. Kowza had the distance, but the ball sailed wide right.

The Bees were able to get positive yardage on the first two plays of their next drive, but a strip sack by Lukas Grillis on third down forced them to punt. Highland began their possession on the Brecksville 31, but could not pick up a first down. Kowza came on to attempt a 43-yard field goal but this time it sailed wide left, keeping the score 14-7 Hornets.

Highland’s defense pitched another quick shutout, forcing the Bees into their seventh three-and-out of the contest. After the Hornets ensuing drive stalled out at the 18, Kowza came on for his third field goal attempt. This time the kick went right down the middle, extending the Hornets’ lead to 17-7 early in the fourth.

On the next drive, Owen Zielinski picked off Alex Henegar, giving the Hornets great field position at the Brecksville 44. The Bees’ defense stood tough though, quickly forcing Highland to punt. After picking up their first first down in quite a while, Henegar was intercepted by Evan Foust.

The Hornets began the next possession at the Brecksville 46. Facing a third and five, Anthony DePompei took the wildcat snap 30 yards for a touchdown, extending Highland’s lead to 24-7. Three plays later the Hornets picked off Henegar again, this time it was Jake Weber who returned it 26 yards for a score. Kowza’s extra point made the score 31-7 with one minute remaining.

Brecksville picked up a first down on the next drive but ran out of time, giving Highland a 31-7 victory and advancing them to next week’s regional semifinals.

Next Week

With the victory, Highland clinches yet another 10-win season and punches their ticket to next week’s Division II Region 5 semifinals. Awaiting the Hornets is a matchup with the undefeated Mayfield Wildcats (11-0) at North Gateway Tire Field. The Wildcats advanced with a 32-21 win over Wadsworth.

Top Performers

Brecksville-Broadview Heights Bees

Tut Matchittom: 5 carries 88 yards

Zach Aquila: 12 carries 23 yards

Highland Hornets

Colton Wadle: 8-13 118 yards

Levi Clark: 6 carries 59 yards TD

Anthony DePompei: 8 carries 31 yards TD

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Highland 1:14- Evan Foust, 2-yard run (Kowza kick good)

2nd Quarter

Brecksville 8:38- Christopher Soeder, 4-yard run (Schreiber kick good)

Highland 6:50- Levi Clark, 30-yard run (Kowza kick good)

4th Quarter

Highland 9:00- Jonah Kowza 35-yard field goal

Highland 2:32- Anthony DePompei, 25-yard run (Kowza kick good)

Highland 1:00- Jake Weber 26-yard interception return (Kowza kick good)