Game # 5 summary vs. Pontiac Huskies

(Game time weather; 64 degrees, cloudy, breezy and slight rain / mist)

The legendary Wisner Memorial Stadium enhanced with new field-turf was the back-drop for the Highlanders 5^th game of the season. The Highlanders could go to 3-2 with a win against their OAA neighbor, the Pontiac Huskies. It was nice to see #5, senior Mike Gansser dressed in full battle gear after off-season surgery.

The Highlander kicker Alex Verville, booted the ball into the end zone for a touchback, forcing the Huskies to start at their 20-yard line. A pass attempt that was broken up by senior LB Cory Gowman set the tone for the Highlander defense. DE, Jake Heinrich pressured the Huskies QB on 3^rd down that forced him to throw the ball away and dodge what looked like a QB sack. A short punt by the Huskies negated any potential punt return.

The 1^st Highlander drive started w/ great field position, at the 50-yard line. This possession would prove to be a sign of things to come for the offense. FB Hamilton and QB Waszak carried load with steady gains. Facing a 2^nd and 9 from the 23-yard line, Waszak showed good speed as he ran the QB option in for a touchdown. Mr. Reliable, Tom Casey added the P.A.T.

 Highlanders 7        Huskies 0

The Huskies 2^nd possession of the game started from the 20 yard line again due to Verville’s strong kick went into the end zone. Coach Rob Houghton has done an excellent job with all the kickers and punters. Great job Coach!

After moving the chains once, DE Heinrich dominated the Huskies offensive tackle and dropped the Huskies RB for a 3-yard loss. After two incomplete passes the Huskies were forced to punt from the 46-yard line. The punt was short and didn’t allow for any return.

The Highlander offense sputtered after a short gain on 1^st down. The mist falling from the sky made the ball slippery and the ball was nearly lost on a fumble. An incomplete pass on 3^rd down led to the first Highlander punt of the night. Junior Dan Muncie made a solid tackle on the punt return.

The Huskies offense had no room to run against the Highlander defense led by; Petrusha, McNamara, Ornazian, Schmidt and Bernard. The offense was forced to punt again. Renel picked up 10-yards on the return.

The Highlanders 3^rd possession found the offense back on track. Waszak, Hamilton and Renel ran hard and moved the ball down to the 3-yard line. A QB sneak was stuffed by the Huskies defense. On 2^nd down, Waszak pitched the ball to SB Renel who took into the end zone for a touchdown. Casey’s P. A. T was “good”.

Highlanders 14      Huskies 0

With 8:56 left in the half, the mist continues to fall and Adam Smith continued to make tackles on the kick team. He wrapped up the Huskies RB at the 18-yard line.

Once again, the defense shut down the Huskies offense quickly on this possession. On 1^st down DB Mark Hammett broke up a pass attempt.

Because the defense did not allow the Huskies offense to get the running game going the Huskies had to try and pass. On 2^nd down LB Cory Gowman stepped in front of the receiver, Martell Webb and intercepted the pass. He rambled down the near sideline to the 4-yard line. FB Hamilton cruised into the end zone when the offensive line opened a large hole for him. Casey’s P. A. T. was “good”.

Highlanders 21    Huskies 0

Again the Huskies offense turned the ball over, this time on 1^st down. Junior DB, Adam Smith picked-off the Huskies pass.

The Highlanders 5^th possession of the contest would continue to be productive. After the first of to many penalties against Pontiac for “to many players on the field”, Waszak and Renel both ran the ball to get a first down. Once again, Waszak ran the QB veer option with confidence and took it to the house for another Highlander touchdown. Cody Wilson’s hold on the P. A. T. was near perfect and Casey’s kick split the uprights.

 Highlanders 28   Huskies 0

 The Huskies 5^th possession featured defensive plays by Gowman and DB Jake Wilson. The Huskies were forced to punt from their 22-yard line. DE Joe Bernard busted through the offensive line and blocked the punt. The ball was recovered at the 7-yard line.

 FB Hamilton scored his 2^nd touchdown of the game on 1^st down. Mr. Reliable (Casey) added the P.A. T.

 Highlanders 35      Huskies 0

The Huskies could not get their offense on track. On1st down from the 45- yard line another pass attempt to U of M bound receiver “Spider” Webb was intercepted by Jake Wilson.

The next Highlander possession started off with a 15-yard gain by Renel. Waszak loss 3-yards before throwing an incomplete pass intended for Cory Colucci. Patten’s punt from the 35-yard line was all for not as Pontiac was called for their 2^nd “to many players on the field” penalty.

On the ensuing play QB Waszak fumbled the ball and the Huskies recovered at the 39-yard line.

The balance of the 1^st half was un-eventful. The score at the end of the half remained 35-0.

The 2^nd half was much like the 1^st half as the Highlanders dominated. Many Highlander players were able to get in the game and make things happen. Josh Patten played hard at Linebacker (LB). Dan Muncie got in on defense as well as offense. On the Highlanders 2^nd possession of the half, Muncie scored his first varsity touchdown from the 5-yard line. With 1:59 left in the 3^rd quarter, Casey made the P. A. T.

 Highlanders 42       Huskies 0

The 4^th quarter saw Greg Ornazian come in at QB. Pontiac recovered a fumble at the 40-yard line. This allowed the Huskies to run the ball down to the 25-yard line. On 2^nd and 5, The Huskie QB threw a pass to Martell Webb for their only tally of the game. They made their P.A. T kick.

With 2:57 left in the game the Highlander offense ran out the clock.

The final score:  Highlanders 42     Huskies 7

Congratulations to the players and coaching staff on this victory.

I would also like to congratulate Coach Kennedy for being selected to the MHSAA Coaching Hall of Fame. This is a great honor. Your dedication to high school football and the Highlander program is appreciated by many. We wish you many more years of enjoyment and good health.

The Lakers from West Bloomfield are next. The Highlanders need 3 more wins out of the 4 remaining games to make the playoffs. We know they can do it!

Dan R.