Highland Hornets Sting Toledo St. Francis 49-20

Granger Twp., OH: Another week, another dominant performance from junior running back Casey Myser as the Hornets (12-0) dominated Toledo St. Francis de Sales (8-4) 49-20. Myser crossed the 200-yard mark again, finishing with 213 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries. Junior Lucas Gerding also scored twice for Highland.

First Half

The Knights started the game with an onside kick, drilling a front-line player for the Hornets, but Highland recovered and started their opening drive on the St. Francis 49. On the third play of the possession, Casey Myser plowed in from five yards out to put Highland up 7-0 early.

It wouldn’t take long for the Hornets to get the ball back as the defense forced a quick three-and-out. Following a first down carry from Myser, Dylan Borla found Evan Foust down the seam for a 32-yard Highland touchdown.

After the defense forced another three-and-out, Highland took over on their own 15. On the fifth play of the drive, the Hornets got fancy. Borla threw a screen pass to backup quarterback Grady Gibb who found a wide open Luke Berkmeyer for a 63-yard touchdown, extending the Hornets’ lead to 21-0 midway through the first.

St. Francis would not go down without a fight, as the Knights drove deep into Highland territory. On the 13th play of the drive, Raheem Brown took a sweep around the right side for a ten yard touchdown, drawing St. Francis closer at 21-7.

With just under three minutes remaining in the half, Highland began their drive at the 30-yard line. With 15 seconds remaining on the clock, Lucas Gerding took the sweep for a 6-yard Hornets touchdown. At the halftime break, Highland held a 28-7 advantage.

Second Half

St. Francis came out of the half on a mission, driving deep into Highland territory. The Hornets defense kept them out of the end zone but a 35-yard field goal from Drew Pucket made it 28-10. Once again the Knights would attempt and onside kick, but this time they recovered. Unfortunately for St. Francis, they came away empty handed as a 48-yard field goal attempt fell short.

On their next possession, the Knights would dive deep into the playbook. Getting the ball on their own 30, Corey Swartz threw a backwards pass to Drew Tucker, who found a wide-open Raheem Brown for a 70-yard touchdown, bringing St. Francis closer at 28-17.

Highland would respond right away with a seven play, 80-yard drive capped off by a two-yard run from Myser to extend the Hornets’ lead to 35-17 late in the third. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Drew Pucket nailed another field goal, this time from 28 yards out to make it 35-20.

The Hornets would respond with a seven play, 90-yard drive that was capped off by a 12-yard touchdown from Myser, his third of the game that made the score 42-20. Midway through the fourth Highland would strike once again, this time a 78-yard touchdown run from Lucas Gerding. When the final whistle blew, the Hornets walked away with a 49-20 victory, extending their postseason run at least one more week.

Keys to the Game

Games are won and lost at the line of scrimmage and this one was no different. All night long the Hornets offensive line opened wide holes for Myser and company. Defensively, Highland lived in the backfield and kept the Knights off balance from start to finish.

Top Performers

Highland Hornets

Casey Myser: 26 carries 213 yards 3 TD   1 catch 41 yards

Lucas Gerding: 3 carries 94 yards 2 TD   2 catches 17 yards

Dylan Borla: 5-7 98 yards TD

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Highland 10:56- Casey Myser, 5-yard run (kick good)

Highland 8:44- Dylan Borla to Evan Foust, 32 yards (kick good)

Highland 5:27- Dylan Borla to Grady Gibb to Luke Berkmeyer, 63 yards (kick good)

2nd Quarter

St. Francis 8:04- Raheem Brown, 5-yard run (kick good)

Highland 0:15- Lucas Gerding, 6-yard run (kick good)

3rd Quarter

St. Francis 9:22- Drew Pucket 35-yard field goal

St. Francis 4:05- Corey Swartz to Drew Tucker to Raheem Brown, 70 yards (kick good)

Highland 1:59- Casey Myser, 2-yard run (kick good)

4th Quarter

St. Francis 11:57- Drew Pucket 28-yard field goal

Highland 9:11- Casey Myser, 12-yard run (kick good)

Highland 5:09- Lucas Gerding, 78-yard run (kick good)