The question on everyone’s mind was: Will the Rochester Adams Highlanders finish the season with a perfect 8-0 record? Well, it didn’t take long for the Highlanders Express to put points on the board. On the second play from scrimmage, quarterback Tyler Martin ran for 34 yards down to the Rochester Falcon’s 11-yard line. On the next play, Mark Benacquisto, following the excellent blocking from the left side of the Highlander’s line led by Mark Sicheneder, scored with just over two minutes gone in the game. The PAT was unsuccessful, and the Highlanders led 6-0.

The defense then stopped the Falcons and forced them to punt. The Highlanders started their drive on their own 27-yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, Alec Prechtel ran for 33 yards. Six plays later, Martin hit T.J. Trouba with a perfect pass, and the Highlanders had their second touchdown with over six minutes left in the first quarter. The two-point conversion was good by Tom Roncelli, and the Highlanders led 14-0.

The Falcons, led by Adam Bortz’s 44-yard run started to move the ball down the field. With the Falcons knocking on the door, the Highlanders’ defense, led by Chad Gierak, Roncelli and Benacquisto, created havoc and caused a fumble which was recovered by Benacquisto on the Highlanders’ 6-yard line.

On the Highlanders’ next possession, one of the strangest plays you’ll ever see took place. Quarterback Martin faked a handoff to Benacquisto, a play where the Falcons, along with the announcer, spotters, and more importantly, the referees, failed to see that Martin kept the ball

The referees stopped the play even though Martin was running down the sidelines for a sure touchdown. Although the play was called back, the Highlanders – led by Benacquisto and a nifty 30-yard run by Martin – carried the ball into the end zone for another Highlanders score .

The extra point was blocked, so with five minutes remaining before half time, Highlanders led 20-0. Again the Falcons moved the ball down into Highlanders’ territory before Andrew Morrissey intercepted an errant pass and returned it to the Highlanders’ 30-yard line. There was great individual effort by Truba, Chris Clark, and Daniel Park, who punched it in from the 5-yard line for a 26-0 lead at halftime.

With the start of the second half, the Highlander’s Eric Hyde intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards to the Falcon 11-yard line. Two plays later, Benacquisto scored, making it 32-0. Coach Wescott then made some wholesale changes, but that didn’t slow down the Highlanders Express. The Falcons fumbled and turned the ball over on their own 12-yard line where the Highlanders, led by quarterback Austin McClelland (Tennessee), handed the ball off to Mike Cocozzo for 6 yards and then gave the ball to Kevin Soisson who scored from the 5-yard line. The PAT was good, and the Highlanders led 39-0.

In the fourth quarter, with the clock running, Tennessee masterminded a twelve-play, 90-yard touchdown drive. A total of six different Highlander running backs contributed to the drive: Prechtel, two carries for 22 yards; Cocuzzo, two carries for 9 yards; Luke Nicholaou, one carry for 27 yards; John Adams, one carry for 3 yards; David Addy, one carry for 9 yards; and finally Tennessee himself had five carries for 20 yards and ran it in for the final touchdown of the year. The extra point was blocked, making the final score Highlanders 45 – Falcons 0.

What a fitting ending to see our young men enjoy such a successful season and topping the victories off with a water bucket dousing of their favorite coaching staff. To complete another season without losing a game shows the dedication, perseverance and winning attitude that the staff directs toward our players.

As parents, we thank you!

Also, special thanks to Steve Walbrun for all the work he has contributed to make this website so successful.

Remember to save Sunday, December 3, for our football banquet.