Highlanders Surprise Giants, 28-14

Howell, MI - The stage is now set for the 2013 4th Grade Super Bowl. The Highlanders upset the previously undefeated Giants, 28-14, to advance to the 4th Grade Super Bowl, where they will face the Wolverines on Friday, March 1st.

Niklas M's interception return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter sealed the victory for the Highlanders (4-1-1), as his pick-6 put the Highlanders ahead 28-14.  

The Giants were trailing 21-14, and driving downfield, in an attempt to tie the score at 21-21. Mr. Horne spotted the Giants Ryan O over the middle of the field, but Niklas read the play, jumped in front of Ryan, intercepted the pass, and raced 70 yards for the score.

"Hindsight is always 20-20," said all-time quarterback Mr. Horne. "But, I probably shouldn't have made that throw. I had Ryan open on a hitch, but Niklas read the play and jumped the route. Once Niklas was in the open field, I knew there was no way he was going to be caught. Niklas has great speed."

The Highlanders jumped out to an early 14-0 lead behind touchdowns from Dillon F and Billy H. Dillon scored on an 65-yard strike, while Billy caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Horne.

Zack F and his Giants (2-1-1) were not about to go down quietly. The Giants were facing their largest deficit of the season (14 points), when Zack took over. Mr. Horne fired a long pass down the right sideline to an open Zack for a 80-yard score, bringing the Giants within striking distance at 14-7.

Jhonny R intercepted the Highlanders on their next possession and then Zack struck again. Mr. Horne found Zack open in a similar play to his first score, and Zach scored a 77-yard touchdown to tie the game at 14-14.

The Highlanders took their time on their ensuing possession, completing short passes on a six-play drive that ended in a 12-yard touchdown pass to Niklas, making the score 21-14.

Zack led the Giants (2-1-1) with two receptions and two touchdowns. "The Giants have nothing to feel bad about," remarked Horne. "They had a great season and came within one game of the Super Bowl."

Dillon recorded three receptions and one touchdown for the Highlanders and Niklas added 3 receptions and two touchdowns.

News and Notes:
Twins, Zack and Dillon faced each other for the second time this season. The brothers combined for five receptions and four touchdowns in today's game. "An amazing performance for the twins today," said Horne. "Both boys played their hearts out, and they showed great respect for one another." ..... Niklas M's 3 reception performance makes him the league leader with 18 receptions this season ..... Billy's touchdown catch now means that every player on the Highlander's roster now has at least 4 touchdowns this season (Niklas-11TDs, Dillon-8TDs, Kaden-4TDs, & Billy-4TDs) ..... Today's game marked the first time this year that the Giants Ryan O was held without a touchdown reception.

Posted in: Giants,Highlanders,Playoffs