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September 28th The Highlanders came out a bit flat against a very fired up West Bloomfield squad, and struggled through most of the first half with four lost fumbles, and found themselves behind 23-0 midway through the second quarter. With about 5 minutes left in the first half the Highlanders started looking more like the team we all know. Defensive ends Joel Wentzloff and Taylor Duda did a nice job containing, and gave the D-backs a chance to come up and make some stops. West Bloomfield tried a trick play, with a pass to the flats, and a pitch back to the trailing running back, but it didn’t fool Mike Barber, who made the tackle, and forced a punt. Adams took advantage right away with a Joe Reynolds option keeper, a Barber first down and a Matt Egbert 32 yard run. Reynolds kept the ball again on a very nice option play for an 18-yard TD. Egbert followed with the extra point. |
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The Highlanders threatened again late in the first half, and were really starting to move the ball, behind some strong blocking by the entire Offensive Line, before losing another fumble. We went into halftime down 30-7, but the Highlander D hung tough, and sent a message that we we’re going away without a fight, when Kevin Markey dealt out a crushing hit to end the half. After some miscues to start the second half, Reynolds hit Barber for a big 39 yard gain and then found Ryan Crocenzi (apparently known to the Lakers announcer as “Crozoscki”. This is the same guy who called Rohner, “Rogers”…I’m pretty sure we beat them on the Reading MEAPs). It was Crozoscki (I mean Crocenzi) again with a great interception and a 15 yard return that kept the momentum going Adams’ way. Reynolds found all his receivers covered and make a good decision to tuck the ball in and run, which he did for a 40 yard gain to West Bloomfield’s 2 yard line. Egbert punched it in from there for 6 more. |
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West Bloomfield took over, only to be shut down again, with a couple big hits for losses by Duda and Lloyd Reeves. Adams was forced to punt on the next possession, and West Bloomfield took advantage of their opportunity by scoring another touchdown. Adams quickly answered yet again with the O-Line giving Reynolds time to find Barber for 8, run the option for 15, and then hit Rohner in the flat, who made some great moves and turned on the burners for a big 32 yard touchdown. West Bloomfield threatened again, but were stopped, with Alex Grady tripping up a Lakers back, saving another score. This game was the story of two very different halves. West Bloomfield won the first half 30-7, The Highlanders actually won the second half 21-14, but ran out of time to catch the Lakers. The final was 44-28. The big hits of the night were delivered by Anthony Johnson, Reeves, Duda, Egbert and Markey. The Highlanders play host to Troy on the 5th.
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Game Summary: Tom Duda -- Photos: Yvonne Egbert