By RICHIE HALL
ARCADIA – The beginning of a football season can sometimes feel like trial by fire, especially if young players are on the team.
Hamilton Heights had several young players on its squad as it opened the season by hosting Lapel in its beautifully refurbished field. The Bulldogs won the game 23-7, but Huskies coach Jon Kirschner was pleased with his team’s effort.
“We’re young up front. We had two freshmen that played the whole game,” said Kirschner. “And for all intents and purposes, they fought their butts off.”
Heights had to deal with adversity right from the opening kickoff, which Lapel took 95 yards for a touchdown. The Bulldogs never trailed, but the Huskies were able to recover and put together some decent plays.
For example, Heights senior linebacker Nathan Flanders made a third-down tackle early in the first quarter. Later in that period, the Bulldogs had first and goal, but the Huskies were able to prevent them from scoring. That included pass breakups from Dre Chandler on third down and Nick Bichey on fourth down; both are seniors.
Lapel went up 9-0 early in the second quarter when the Bulldogs made a safety after blocking a Heights punt. Midway through the period, Devin Craig passed to Jaxson Cripe for a 15-yard touchdown, and Braden Johnson’s extra-point kick sent Lapel into halftime with a 16-0 lead.
The Huskies got their touchdown midway through the third quarter, when junior quarterback Drew Woodruff tossed a 22-yard scoring throw to senior Cam Fleming. Junior Keegan Kavanaugh made the extra point.
The Bulldogs scored their final touchdown midway through the fourth; Jack Miller ran into the end zone from four yards and Johnson kicked another extra point. Miller totaled 176 yards rushing for the night.
Woodruff threw a solid game, going 14-for-20 and totaling 124 yards. Fleming’s five catches included his second-quarter score, while Chandler, Bichey and Josh Getchell all had three receptions.
Kirschner said his team “absolutely sold out tonight with unbelievable attitude and effort, and they stayed together” and the team needs to build upon its fight and “will to never surrender.”
“I’m excited for what the future’s going to bring this season, because you can build upon that attitude and effort,” said Kirschner.
Heights goes on the road for its next game, traveling to Triton Central next Friday.
Heights quarterback Drew Woodruff threw for 124 yards and a touchdown. (Bob Cross)
Heights receiver Cam Fleming celebrates after scoring a touchdown. (Bob Cross)