Huskies break through for first win of season

The REPORTER

Hamilton Heights broke through for its first victory of the season Friday, beating Western 21-6 in a home game that served as the Huskies’ Hoosier Conference Big School Division opener.

Hamilton Heights senior Tyler Champion makes a catch that he would take 76 yards to the end zone for the Huskies’ first of three third-quarter touchdowns. Heights beat Western 21-6 Friday night for its first win of the season. (Bob Cross)

The Panthers scored early in the game, and that put Heights down 6-0 at halftime. But the Huskies came back with a roaring third quarter, during which they scored all 21 of their points.

Tyler Champion scored the crucial touchdown on the first play of the third quarter, taking a 76-yard catch from Drew Woodruff into the end zone. Keegan Kavanaugh kicked the extra point to put the Huskies up 7-6, and they never trailed again.

Joey Sigler scored two touchdowns in the later part of the third quarter, both on two-yard runs. Kavanaugh kicked both those extra points as well.

Heights coach Jon Kirschner was happy with how his team played in all facets of the game. He was especially pleased with the Huskies’ defense, saying it played “lights out.” Linebackers Nick Hulen and Michael Cain both had strong games.

“Our defense just flew around and hit,” said Kirschner. “They were monsters. We were rotating guys in. They put on a show tonight. They did a great job. I was very pleased with how the speed of our defense really gave them fits.”

Kirschner also highlighted punter Cyrus Mason, who punted four times for an average of 47.5 yards.

Woodruff finished the game 11-for-23 with 219 yards. Champion made six of those catches for 132 yards. Nathan Flanders led the rushing with 44 yards.

Heights is 1-4 and plays a division game at Logansport next Friday.