Highlands battles, but comes up short
Highlands fought the good fight in the first half against Indiana High School at Andy Kuzneski Field Friday night, but still fell short, dropping a 21-7 decision to the Indians.
That means the Golden Rams remain winless on the season. Still, Highlands head coach Sam Albert was content with his team’s performance.
“We are trying to build on positives,” Albert said. “I was real pleased tonight with some of our execution.”
Highlands tailback Greg Negley carried the ball 30 times for 159 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and scored the only Golden Ram touchdown of the night.
“Gary always runs hard,” Coach Albert said. “I thought the offensive line did a good job.”
The Indians scored first, on an 82-yard pass to Vincent Gatti in the first quarter. The Golden Rams came right back with a 68-yard, 11-play drive that broke their 10-quarter scoreless streak. Negley pounded his way through three defensemen and into the end zone on a 4-yard carry to start the second quarter.
The Highlands defense held Indiana to just 3 rushing yards in the first half, but gave up 160 passing yards.
Indiana seized the momentum for good, though, on one-play, 69-yard touchdown pass, then put constant pressure on Highlands throughout the second half.
Highlands twice thwarted Indiana drives in the third quarter by causing turnovers in the red zone, but the Golden Ram offense couldn’t score. Negley, who rushed for 129 yards on 21 carries in the first half, had only 30 yards on nine carries in the second half.
“We competed against a well-coached team,” Albert said. “I thought our defense did an outstanding job.”
Highlands next plays at Franklin Regional.