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Adams vs. Southfield

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Game # 1 summary AHS vs. Southfield

Webmaster Note: Adams subsequently forfeited this game due to an ineligible player

Not even the strongest storm to hit Oakland County this summer could stop the Highlander Zone entourage from kicking off the season opener in grand fashion. Highlander parents, players, family and friends gathered to tailgate while holding out hope that this much anticipated contest would be played as scheduled. After a 2 hour tenuous delay, the 2007 Rochester Adams Highlanders took the field at 8:05pm to prepare. Following an abbreviated warm-up it was game on!

It didn’t take long for the Highlander defense to establish themselves right out of the gate when senior captain DE Jake Heinrich and junior DT Zack Trumble combined to sack the Blue Jay QB in the end zone for a safety. 4 minutes into the game and the defense scores the first points of the season to take a 2 point lead. Outstanding!

The Blue Jays free kick from the 20-yard line was fielded cleanly by senior captain RB Josh Renel who nearly broke free and returned the ball 34-yards down to the 30-yard line.
The Highlanders first possession of the season featured 2 superb pass completions from junior QB Andrew Waszak to fellow junior receiver Cody Wilson. These completions were good for 28-yards to move the ball to the 2-yard line. Senior RB Josh Renel took it home for the Highlanders first offensive touchdown of the season. Senior kicker-extraordinaire, Alex Verville split the uprights for the extra point. With 9:58 left in the first quarter the score was: ADAMS 9 SOUTHFIELD 0


On the ensuing kick-off senior LB Josh Patten made a solid tackle to drop the Blue Jay ball carrier at the 38-yard line. Patten and fellow senior LB Dan Muncey came up big on the next play to stop the Southfield RB for a 3-yard loss. Facing 3rd down and 10, Patten blitzed and sacked the QB for a 6-yard loss. Quite an impressive defensive series for Josh Patten.
Southfield’s punt was returned 5-yards by Renel. The next possession for the Highlanders featured hard -nose running senior RB Cory (Bear) Colucci, Renel and junior FB Beau Barterian. Their efforts were negated by a series of penalties. Two holding calls and an illegal procedure call against the Highlanders resulted in 4th and 16 forcing a Josh Patten punt. Patten’s punt was downed at the 7-yard line. Great job Josh.
The Highlander defense once again showed it’s mettle after senior DB Adam Smith broke up a pass followed by Heinrich’s sack of the Blue Jay QB. Southfield’s punt attempt went awry when the snap from the center sailed over the punter’s head and out of the end zone resulting in the second safety of the game. With 3:38 left in the 1st quarter the score was:
 
ADAMS 11 SOUTHFIELD 0
Southfields free-kick was downed by Muncey at the 48-yard line giving the potent Highlander offense a short field. Waszak’s huge gain on a QB option/ keeper was nullified by yet another holding call and an incomplete pass to senior receiver Mike Monahan forced the offense to punt. Punter Josh (“Big Foot”) Patten booted a 43-yard punt down to the 6-yard line. It’s apparent that Josh has worked hard in the off-season to hone his punting skills.
The 2nd quarter started with Southfield’s offense attempting to get on track but the DT Zach Trumble, LB Dan Muncey and junior DE Mike Sirosky did a nice job to put an end to this drive.

The yellow cloth from the Zebra’s pocket continued to be thrown against both squads. Regardless, the Highlander offense kept its foot on the pedal with a Waszak to Wilson pass that was good for 10-yards. FB Beau Barterian reeled off a strong run for another 10-yards and a 1st down. RB Josh Renel showed good strength and speed and blew the ball into the end zone from 7-yards out for his 2nd touchdown of the game. It’s clear to this writer that the offensive line of Jake Heinrich, Mike Sirosky, Kevin Markey, Stuart Baker, Rob Reynolds and Jordan Sanders have been listening to coach Springer and executing their blocking schemes. Keep up the good work.
Alex Verville’s extra point kick was on the mark and the Highlanders took an 18-0 lead. Again, place kicker Alex Verville’s kick sailed into the end zone for a touchback. Kicking coach Rob Houghtlin worked with the Highlander kickers throughout the summer and their hard work is already paying dividends.

The next couple of drives for both teams resulted in no sustained drives. A nice punt return by Renel was again nullified by an un-timely Highlander penalty.

The next offensive possession of the Highlanders witnessed Waszak finding RB Renel on two well executed passes coupled with a QB keeper to move the ball down to the 39-yard line. Waszak wasn’t finished hitting his target when he found Wilson for a big 1st down. Once again, the poised junior QB threw a pass to Renel who picked-up 15-yards and another 1st down.
Following the blocking of senior OL Rob Reynolds and Sirosky, Renel blasted into the end zone for his 3rd tally of the game. Verville’s extra point kick was “good” and with .31 seconds left in the 1st half the score was:

ADAMS 25 SOUTHFIELD 0
At 10:10pm the 2nd half got underway. The Highlander offense picked-up where they left off. Pass completions to senior RB’s Cory Colucci and Josh Renel coupled with a 14-yard run by Renel moved the rock to the 27-yard line. Yet another penalty on the Highlanders set-up a 37-yard field goal attempt by Verville. Senior long-snapper Aaron Gesquire and holder Cody Wilson were spot-on and Verville’s kick was solid. Nice job “flying V”!

ADAMS 28 SOUTHFIELD 0
The subsequent Southfield drive stalled after senior DB’s Adam Smith and Steve Emery broke-up pass attempts by the Blue Jays.
Barterain’s 17-yard run wasn’t enough to keep this next drive alive. Patten’s punt was downed deep in Southfield territory at the 10-yard line.
With 2:39 left in the 3rd quarter Steve Emery intercepted a pass to send the Blue offense back to the sideline. Great job Steve.
The next Highlander possession featured the emergence of two players that will factor in the offense this season. RB Colucci made a nice catch on 4th and 12 for a 1st down. Barterian busted through the middle of the Blue Jay defense on his way to his 1st varsity touchdown. Congratulations Beau.
 

ADAMS 35 SOUTHFIELD 0
With a running clock in the 4th quarter Southfield managed to get on the board after a swing pass that the Highlander defense couldn’t contain.
 

ADAMS 35 SOUTHFIELD 7
The balance of the 4th quarter allowed valuable playing time for many Highlanders. Junior QB / WR Joe Reynolds took the helm and showed his speed and skill when he picked up 20-yards on a QB option. Senior FB /LB Greg Ornazian (Elvis) ran hard for a 5-yard gain leaving a few Blue Jays in his wake.

The game ended at 10:58 pm. The first victory of the season was well earned.
Like most opening games of any season, there were several bright spots as well as areas that need work. 16 penalties against the Highlanders didn’t sit well with Coach Patritto and his staff.
Now this team turns their focus on Farmington Hills Harrison.
The weather will be better and I predict so will our Highlanders.


GO ADAMS!

Game Photos by Jill Olmack                                     Game Summary Dan Renel