by The Highland Hornets defeated the Midview Middies 49-7 in the first round of the OHSSA Division II, Region 6 Playoffs. Highland’s dominant rushing attack led the way, with running back Casey Myser rushing for 157 yards with 2 touchdowns. Highland quarterback Peyton Janickas was also a big playmaker, rushing for 71 yards and running for two touchdowns. While the passing game was not a main focal point, Janickas was still effective, going 6/10 for 87 yards and a passing touchdown.
While the offense did its job well the Highland defense was on another level against the Midview offense. The defense accounted for 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 3 picks including an interception returned for a touchdown by Safety Garrett Phillips. Discounting the one drive where they did score, the Midview offense was helpless against the might of Highland’s defense.
1st Quarter
Highland started the game off with a bang. On their first drive, they only tried for one pass play. The Hornets ran the ball down the Middies throat as a 2-yard touchdown run by Myser had the Hornets draw first blood. The Highland defense also made a statement early. After Midview was also running the ball down Highland’s throat, they were held to a 4th and 2 in Hornet territory. That is when linebacker Jack Howard made the tackle at the line of scrimmage to force the turnover on downs. In which the offense would take advantage of, scoring on a 9-yard touchdown run by Janickas. Already down 14-0 early, Midview would try to focus more on its passing game. However, the ball was tipped at the line and intercepted by Phillips who returned it 38-yards for the touchdown.
2nd Quarter
On the next Highland drive, Midview would force a 3 and out for the Hornets offense. This was a much-needed stop for the Midview defense if they wanted to stay in this game. After getting some early momentum in the drive, Midview was once again held to a 4th down. With nothing to lose they decided to go for it. This would be costly for them as defensive linemen Jack Capotosto broke through the line and got the sack. The Highland offense would build off the turnover on downs and score, ending with a 4-yard touchdown run by Janickas.
3rd Quarter
Down 28-0 at half, Midview had to respond quickly if they wanted to stay alive in the playoffs. And respond quickly they did. On the opening drive, Midview drove down the field with ease. Using their rushing attack along with a mix of short passes that got them in the red zone. The drive ended with a quarterback draw by Ethan Elbert as he ran for a 13-yard touchdown giving Midview their first points of the night.
With that opening drive touchdown by Midview, it felt as though Midview had figured it out. It felt as though maybe, just maybe, Midview could make a daring comeback. That thought would be quickly put to rest as Janickas threw a 59-yard touchdown pass to receiver Matthew Ciryak. This pattern of Midview gaining a small victory only to be shut down again would be a trend in the third quarter. First, their defense would get a stop forcing Highland to punt, the offense throws a pick. The Midview defense forces a fumble in Highland territory, the offense goes three and out.
4th Quarter
After another failed 4th down conversion by Midview in their own territory, Highland decided to put this game officially out of reach. They used the turnover on downs to score in two plays, starting with a 22-yard run by Myser and ending with a 4-yard touchdown run by Myser. The Hornets would be in cruise control after that drive, putting some of their backups in to prove themselves. Josh Arvanetes of Highland would score on a 6-yard touchdown run on Highland’s last scoring drive to put them up 49-7.
After forcing Midview to punt, the Hornets kneeled it out and celebrated their playoff victory. The Midview Middies finished the season with a 4-7 record and a playoff berth. While the third-seeded Hornets (9-2) (6-1) stay alive as they will play sixth-seeded North Ridgeville who later beat Valley Forge 35-14.
Player of the Game
The player of the game and the x-factor in the match up was running back Casey Myser. Myser ran 18 times for 157 yards (8.7 per rush) and ran for two touchdowns.
