by The OHSAA Division II Regional semifinal game between The Medina Highland Hornets and the Anthony Wayne Generals started off with a bang. The Hornets got the ball first and drove down the field with a dominant run game. Highland running back Casey Myser eventually capped off the drive as he punched the ball into the endzone for a 1-yard touchdown.
Anthony Wayne received the ball on the following kickoff, getting their chance to answer back. They took a page out of the Hornets’ playbook, running the ball down the field to set up Seth VonLehmden for a 25-yard field goal, which he made. On Highland’s next possession, they attempted their first pass of the game. Quarterback Peyton Janickas found his receiver, Matthew Ciryak, deep over the middle for a 60-yard bomb, setting the Hornets up nicely in the red zone.
A few plays later, Evan Grant pounded his way into the end zone for a 1-yard score, putting the Hornets up 14-3 with time running out in the first half. Anthony Wayne had one more chance to cut into the lead before halftime. A drive orchestrated by quarterback Peyton Kinnee’s running ability set up Seth VonLehmden for a 26-yard field goal. The kick was blocked by Matthew Ciryak, ending the half with Highland on top 14-3.
The Hornets wasted no time picking up where they left off to start the second half. Evan Grant found the end zone again, taking the ball up the middle for a 4-yard touchdown, putting Highland up 21-3 early in the third quarter. Just as it looked like the Hornets were pulling away, their quarterback, Peyton Janickas, got picked off by Carter Schaller, who returned it to the Anthony Wayne 30-yard line. The Generals could not capitalize and turned the ball over on downs.
A solid drive by Highland to start the fourth quarter was stalled at the Anthony Wayne 11-yard line. The Hornets had to rely on the leg of Carson Kwiatkowski, who banged a 28-yard field goal straight through the uprights. The Generals had an answer, though. Backup quarterback Cadence Carswell heaved a deep 46-yard touchdown pass to Winn Sharp to cut into the Highland lead. On the following kickoff, Anthony Wayne attempted an onside kick, which was successfully recovered by Kyle Wymer.
The General offense could not convert on the big play, turning the ball over on downs. The Hornets capitalized on a short field to stick the dagger into the Generals. Highland’s Casey Myser took a pitch handoff to the left for a 4-yard score. If there was any chance for a miracle comeback by the Generals, it fell short after they fumbled the ball on the last drive, which Matthew Ciryak of Highland recovered. This ended the game with a final score of 31-10 in favor of the Medina Highland Hornets.
With the loss, the Anthony Wayne Generals finish the season with a record of 10-3 and are eliminated from the playoffs. With the win, the Medina Highland Hornets will advance to the regional final against the Avon Eagles.
Player Of The Game: Highland Hornets RB Casey Myser 20 ATT 107 YDS 2 TD
