Heights gets moving, shuts down Speedway

The REPORTER

Hamilton Heights overcame a slow start Friday to roar past Speedway 41-7 in first-round play in Class 3A Sectional 29.

The Sparkplugs were the host, but the game was played at Decatur Central due to renovations at the Speedway field. The Huskies struggled at first, not getting a first down until the 7:14 mark of the second quarter. The Sparkplugs had scored by then, leading 7-0.

But things quickly started going Heights’ way minutes later. Tyler Champion got the Huskies on the board with a 59-yard touchdown reception from Joey Sigler at the 6:02 mark. Keegan Kavanaugh kicked the extra point to tie the game.

Sigler was just getting warmed up. He ran in the go-ahead touchdown with 1:27 left in the half, and Kavanaugh’s kick gave the Huskies a 14-7 lead; that would be the halftime score.

Heights pitched shutout ball in the second half, and Sigler had either a hand or a foot in each of the Huskies’ touchdowns. He connected with Champion for another touchdown, this one a 20-yard throw in the third quarter. Sigler then ran the ball in to score from seven yards. Kavanaugh made two more kicks, and Heights enjoyed a 28-7 lead after three.

Sigler made two more touchdown passes in the fourth quarter. He threw a 25-yard TD throw to Justin Overton early in the quarter, then connected with Keaton Weaver for a 17-yard touchdown late in the period.

Overall, Sigler was 10-of-14 through the air with 250 yards, and also ran for 54 yards. Champion totaled 107 yards across his four catches. Kavanaugh made five extra-point kicks total.

The Huskies are 4-6 and host Guerin Catholic next Friday in the Sectional 29 semifinals.