THE REPORTER
Hamilton Heights coach Jon Kirschner put it simply: “It’s evident we’re firing on all cylinders.”
The Huskies are becoming a defensive machine after getting their third straight shutout victory Friday at Western. Heights rolled past the Panthers 32-0 in a Hoosier Conference East Division game. It’s the first time in 20 years that the Huskies have blanked three consecutive opponents.
“We play very aggressive and very fast football,” said Kirschner. “We’re not big. We’re just very fast and very physical.”
Heights, still unbeaten at 5-0, scored in each quarter, starting with a nine-yard touchdown run by Owen VanHaaren in the first quarter. In the second period, quarterback Bodie Derrer put in two touchdowns on short runs, and the Huskies led 18-0.
In the third quarter, Derrer threw a short pass to Tyler Champion, who took the ball in for a touchdown for a six-yard score. Carson Fettig then picked up a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter, and then ran in 30 yards for a touchdown. Teigan Scoles kicked the extra point after both second-half touchdowns.
Derrer was efficient, making 12 of 17 pass attempts for 128 yards. VanHaaren led the rushing with 94 yards on 19 carries, and Champion totaled seven receptions.
As for the defense, Kirschner said this: “I could go through and make a list of kids that did a great job.”
Dean Mason and Michael Cain both had solid games; Kirschner said Cain has “got to be top five in the state in sacks right now.” The Huskies had six sacks against the Western quarterback.
“Jaylyn Pugh in the secondary does a great job,” said Kirschner. “He had another interception tonight, I think that’s No. 6 for him on the year.”
Kirschner said that Heights has “taken an ownership of all three facets of the game,” offense, defense and special teams, and it’s paying off for the Huskies.
“That makes things difficult and it makes us dangerous,” said Kirschner.
Heights will host Twin Lakes next Friday for its Homecoming game. The Indians are 4-1 for the season, and Kirschner said his team will need to be ready for them.
HAMILTON HEIGHTS 32, WESTERN 0
Score by Quarters
Heights 6 12 7 7 – 32
Western 0 0 0 0 – 0
Team stats HH NW
First Downs 13 10
By Rush 7 8
By Pass 6 1
By Penalty 0 1
Rushes-Yards 32-118 45-91
Passing Yards 128 54
Comp-Att-Int-TD 12-17-1-1 3-12-1-0
Fumbles-Lost 1-1 1-1
Penalties-Yards 3-35 7-64
Punts-Average 3-55.3 5-27.8
Scoring
First Quarter
4:46 – Owen VanHaaren 9-yard run (kick failed)
Second Quarter
10:35 – Bodie Derrer 1-yard run (run failed)
3:11 – Derrer 2-yard run (kick failed)
Third Quarter
4:48 – Tyler Champion 6-yard pass from Derrer (Teigan Scoles kick)
Fourth Quarter
2:05 – Carson Fettig 30-yard fumble recovery (Scoles kick)
Heights individual stats
Rushing: VanHaaren 19-94, Fettig 5-23, Eric Balcom 1-1, Derrer 7-0.
Passing: Derrer 12-17-128.
Receiving: Tyler Champion 7-71, Weaver 2-48, VanHaaren 2-13, Balcom 1-minus 4.