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Adams vs. Birmingham Groves

The first two possessions for both teams offered little for the highlight reel. Junior Strong safety, Jake Wilson, came up big on a Falcon 3 rd down and 7 to force Groves to punt. Likewise, on 3 rd down and 9 yards to go a Jake Ball pass to Josh Renel came up a yard short to force the Highlanders to punt. On the Highlander’s third offensive possession, QB Jake Ball raced 62 yards to the Falcon 8 yard line. Senior, John Stirzinger ran it in for the first score of the game. Bryan Kimball added the extra point attempt.

Adams  7   Birmingham Groves  0

 The ensuing kick-off uncovered a temporary weakness in the Highlander kick team allowing the Falcon running back to return the ball to the Highlander 38 yard line. Cameron Copacia made a touch down saving tackle to stop the Falcon’s from scoring.

Groves then scored on a 16-yard pass to tie the game 7-7.

 Following a stalled Highlander drive the Falcons next possession featured a big play by senior linebacker Corey Momont who sacked the Falcon QB deep in their end of the field. As the Falcon punter set-up at the back of the end zone the Highlander defense seized the opportunity. Senior Linebacker Nick Morrin forced the punter to kick the ball out of the back of the end zone resulting in a 2-point safety.

Adams  9     Birmingham Groves  7

 On the Highlander’s next offensive possession the offense seemed to find their rhythm. On 4 th down and 2, a Jake Ball to Brian Hollett quick hitch pass kept the drive alive. A determined hard-nosed run by Stirzinger to the Groves 7 yard line set-up the next Highlander score. Senior Kicker, Bryan Kimball’s 35-yard field goal was good! The score at halftime;        Adams 12     Birmingham Groves 7

 The second half started with a Brian Hollett kick-off return to the 50-yard line. This drive dissolved after a turnover. Groves first drive of the half was stopped by cornerback Brian Hollett batting down a 3^rd and 9-yard pass attempt. The Highlander offense picked up where it left off and put together a solid drive. A combination of key plays by; Stirzinger (25 yard run), two Hollett receptions, a Cory Hamilton run, a fumble recovery by Dan Harris, and a well executed 21 yard pass from Ball to Mike Gansser put the Highlanders ahead 19-7.

 The Falcons were not done. Early in the fourth quarter an 80-yard touchdown run by Groves brought the score to 19-14. The Highlanders next offensive drive resulted in a punt with 7: 57 left in the game. Groves’s next possession ended up with a fake punt being stuffed by Senior Nick Benaquisto and Brian Hollett. Jake Ball took matters in his own hands and showed good speed as he ran 30 yards into the end zone for another Highlander touchdown.

Adams 26       Birmingham Groves   14

 With 4:25 left, defensive back Mike Hauser once again came up with and interception to shut down the opponent’s offense. This allowed junior fullback Cory Hamilton to showcase his strength and speed on 40 yard run to the Groves 27 yard line. Hamilton finished what he started by blasting through the defensive line of Groves to score his first varsity touch down of the year.

Final score:   Adams Highlanders  32     Birmingham Groves  14

 Congratulations to Coach Patritto on being named Coach of the week by the Detroit Lions football organization. We appreciate the commitment to excellence displayed all the Adams football coaching staff.