Highland (4-0) ran for 299 yards in a convincing 27-7 victory on the road at Tallmadge (3-1). In a game that featured seven turnovers between the two games, the Hornet’s rushing attack proved to be the defense. On the evening, Highland ran for 299 yards on 44 attempts, led by Lukas Stiles with 22 carries for 160 yards and three touchdowns.
First Half
On their opening drive, the Hornets were only able to run three plays before senior Nick Cuva picked off Andrew Lurtz, setting up Tallmadge in great field position. Highland wouldn’t have to wait long to get the ball back, as Matt Ciryak picked off Ty Hurst. Starting from their own 29, the Hornets put together a five play, 71-yard drive capped by a 32-yard touchdown run for Lukas Stiles.
The Blue Devils wasted no time striking back, putting together their own 13 play, 72-yard drive. On 4th and goal from the 3, Ty Hurst rolled to his right and threaded the needle, finding Gino Spano in the endzone to tie it at 7.
For the remainder of the half, both teams traded turnovers and punts. Creed Hill and Mitchell Good both picked off Hurst and the Hornets lost a fumble on a sweep play. Neither team was able to do much of anything though, making it 7-7 at halftime.
Second Half
Tallmadge got the ball first in the second half and couldn’t get anything going, forcing a punt. Back deep for the Hornets was Matt Ciryak and the junior made the most of his opportunity. Fielding the ball at his own 45, Ciryak turned on the jets and took it 55 yards to the house, putting Highland up 13-0.
As was the norm throughout the game, the Hornets defense suffocated the Blue Devils offense. On three third quarter possessions, Tallmadge managed just one first down. On their second drive of the half, the Hornets would strike again.
Starting out on their own 40, it would only take five plays to score, Lukas Stiles crossing the goal line from 13 yards out for his second score of the game. Fresh off forcing a turnover on downs, Stiles took the ball 21 yards for his third touchdown, making it 27-7 Highland. The Hornets would force two more Tallmadge turnovers, but the 27-7 lead held until the end.
Keys to Victory
Highland’s domination at the line of scrimmage was everything in this matchup. Of the 51 plays they ran; the Hornets ran the ball 44 times for 299 yards. Lukas Stiles got the bulk of that with 160 yards and three scores. Noah Robinson was right behind him with 11 carries for 106 yards.
The domination wasn’t only on the offensive side. The Hornets defensive front kept Ty Hurst off balance all night and forced him into three interceptions and numerous incompletions. Wisconsin commit Collin Dixon was held to just five catches for 35 yards. If this kind of play continues, the Hornets have a good chance at making a deep playoff run.
Next Week
The loss is Tallmadge’s first of the season and drops them to 3-1. The Blue Devils continue conference play next week when they host the Revere Minutemen (1-3).
Highland improves to 4-0 on the campaign and have outscored their opponents 134-33. The Hornets hit the road next week for a Suburban-American matchup with Barberton (2-2). Ranked third in this week’s AP poll, expectations remain high for the Hornets.
Top Performers
Highland
Andrew Lurtz: 3-7 44 yards 2 interceptions
Lukas Stiles: 22 carries 160 yards 3 touchdowns
Noah Robinson: 11 carries 106 yards
Matt Ciryak: 55-yard punt return TD 1 interception
Tallmadge
Ty Hurst: 18-32 156 yards 1 touchdown 3 interceptions
Jackson Dougherty: 11 carries 14 yards
Seth Yacobucci: 3 catches 58 yards
Collin Dixon: 5 catches 35 yards 1 interception
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Highland 6:11- Lukas Stiles, 32-yard run (Dobkowski kick good)
Tallmadge 0:00- Ty Hurst to Gino Spano, 3 yards (Carvaines kick good)
3rd Quarter
Highland 9:19- Matt Ciryak 55-yard punt return (kick blocked)
Highland 2:00- Lukas Stiles, 10-yard run (Dobkowski kick good)
4th Quarter
Highland 8:03- Lukas Stiles, 21-yard run (Dobkowski kick good)
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | FINAL | |
| Highland | 7 | 0 | 13 | 7 | 27 |
| Tallmadge | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
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