Highland Dominates All Three Phases in Win Over Mayfield

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Granger Twp., OH: The Highland Hornets (11-1) battled the elements all night long and came away with a commanding 32-0 victory over the Mayfield Wildcats (11-1). Filling in at quarterback, Anthony DePompei got it done through the air and on the ground, finishing with 123 yards passing with a touchdown and 128 yards rushing with another score. Ben Koret led the way offensively for Mayfield with 59 yards rushing. The Hornets advance to the Division II Region 5 Championship, where they will square off with Nordonia (11-1).

First Half

Mayfield received the game’s opening kickoff but did not have the ball for long, quickly going three-and-out. Starting on their own 42, the Hornets were able to move the ball instantly, reaching the red zone in three plays. On 2nd & goal, Anthony DePompei plowed in from two yards out to put Highland up 7-0 early.

The Wildcats found more success on their second possession, but were forced to punt before reaching midfield. On the ensuing Highland drive, DePompei flashed his arm, completing two passes for 24 yards that put them just outside the red zone. After a carry by Levi Clark moved the ball to the 2, Evan Foust barreled into the end zone for a two-yard score. Jonah Kowza’s extra point attempt sailed through the uprights, giving Highland a 14-0 lead early in the second.

Following another three-and-out by Mayfield, the Hornets started their drive on their own 46. Highland faced a 4th & 1 inside Wildcat territory and picked up the first down on a one-yard plung by Foust. On the very next play, DePompei found a wide open Levi Clark down the home sideline for a 33-yard touchdown, extending Highland’s lead to 21-0.

Highland’s defense would not be on the field for long, as they forced another three-and-out in just over a minute. The punt was short, giving the Hornets great field position at their 42. This time, the Mayfield defense kept Highland out of the end zone. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, Jonah Kowza came on and drilled a 40-yard field goal to make it 24-0.

Mayfield backed up deep on the next possession, starting at their own 13. The Wildcats were able to work the ball near midfield before being forced to punt again. With just over a minute remaining in the half, Highland kept the ball on the ground and ran the clock. Heading into halftime, the Hornets were in front 24-0.

Second Half

Highland received the second half kickoff, but ended up punting the ball away for the first time. The punt was perfect, pinning the Wildcats at their own 1-yard line. Unable to move the ball on the first three downs, Kingston Murchison ran out of the back of the end zone for a safety, making it 26-0 Hornets.

Despite the potential for great field position following the safety, Highland began its next possession on their 25. On second down, DePompei connected with Clark for a big 36-yard gain. It looked like disaster struck on the next play following a bad snap, but Frankie Iannaggi picked it up and ran 10 yards for a first down. Three plays later, Clark exploded up the middle for a 10-yard touchdown. The snap was bobbled on the extra point, putting Highland in front 32-0 and starting the running clock.

It looked as if Mayfield found a bit of momentum offensively after picking up a first down, but they were forced to punt before reaching the 40. Highland picked up three first downs on the next drive, moving the ball just outside the red zone. This time the Wildcats’ defense held, forcing a turnover on downs.

Mayfield began the final drive of the game with just over five minutes remaining, but the running clock was a killer. The Wildcats were able to move the ball inside Highland territory for the first time before the clock hit zero. When it did, the Highland Hornets walked away with a 32-0 victory.

Next Week

With the win, the Hornets advance to next week’s Region 5 Championship. Awaiting them is a familiar foe in the Nordonia Knights (11-1). The Knights advanced to the title game with a 23-21 upset win over Walsh Jesuit. The Hornets and Knights met back in Week 4, when Highland traveled to Nordonia and came away with a 23-21 win. The location for the game will be announced this weekend.

Top Performers

Mayfield Wildcats

Ben Koret: 16 carries 59 yards

Highland Hornets

Anthony DePompei: 7-8 123 yards TD    19 carries 128 yards TD

Levi Clark: 11 carries 71 yards TD    2 catches 69 yards TD

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Highland 7:23- Anthony DePompei, 2-yard run (Kowza kick good)

2nd Quarter

Highland 11:57- Evan Foust, 2-yard run (Kowza kick good)

Highland 8:09- Anthony DePompei to Levi Clark, 33 yards (Kowza kick good)

Highland 3:41- Jonah Kowza 40-yard field goal

3rd Quarter

Highland 7:51- Defensive safety

Highland 4:45- Levi Clark, 10-yard run (XP no good)