Adam Morris will likely never forget his first-ever win as the Hamilton Southeastern football coach.
Neither will any of the players, especially Matt Harris. The senior running back scored a two-yard touchdown with 34 seconds left in the fourth quarter, and that finally brought the Royals even with Lawrence Central Friday in the second game of the Colts Horseshoe Classic.
Harris’ touchdown made the score 20-20, and kicker Mitch Hebenstreit hit the extra point to make it 21-20. Southeastern’s defense made one final stand, with John McCall’s interception sealing the 21-20 victory for HSE.
“It was great,” said Morris. “We did a good job offensively.”
There was some strategy involved in Southeastern’s final drive, as Morris said his team was trying to leave the Bears as little time as possible to get a chance to score right back. Morris credited the Royals’ defense with stepping up.
“We were so comfortable in that situation at the end of thea game,” said Morris. “Our kids were comfortable, they felt prepared and they just executed.”
Lawrence Central led 14-0 at halftime. Southeastern got on the board in the third quarter with a four-yard run from Harris. The Bears answered that with a one-yard touchdown run, but the extra point didn’t go.
HSE’s Manny Daniels got the Royals back within one score by making a 13-yard interception return, also in the third period. Hebenstreit kicked both extra points in that quarter, keeping the Royals within 20-14 going into the fourth period.
Kody Sparks had a solid night passing, with 14 completions out of 29 attempts and 151 yards. Ben Boysen made six catches and Landon Morris got four receptions.
The Royals will play their home opener next Friday, taking on North Central.
Hamilton Southeastern’s Matt Harris (center) takes this direct snap from shotgun, fakes the handoff and powers his way in to the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown with 34 seconds left in the fourth quarter of the Royals’ game with Lawrence Central Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Kirk Green)