In a game that was filled with big plays, dramatic momentum shifts, and the kind of hard-fought play expected from a pair of 2-0 teams, it came down to a simple play in overtime to determine the outcome. A low snap from Highland led to a blocked PAT, which ultimately spelled defeat for the Highland football team after a hard-fought game as the Rams lost an overtime thriller to the Green Canyon Wolves, 28-27.
The game was full of thrilling plays, with Highland providing fireworks late in the fourth quarter. Trailing 21-14, and forced to punt, hope seemed to be running out for the Rams. But, for the second week in a row, star senior Charlie McConkie forced a key interception late in the game. McConkie was able to get downfield after creating the turnover, setting up great field position for the Highland offense. The Rams offense was able to capitalize off the turnover, and Nasa Pela connected with sophomore running back Manase Wolfgramm for a 22-yard reception touchdown to equalize the game late in the 4th quarter. On the play, Pela scrambled out of pressure and fit the ball into Wolfgramm’s hands despite close coverage on the play.
“I was just trying to score, get our team in the game,” Wolfgramm said. “I wanted to win, that’s what I’m here for.”
As excited as the overtime game was, it nearly never made it that far. There were still 48 seconds on the clock and earlier trends showed that was enough time for this Green Canyon offense to drive and get points on the board. The Wolves were able to drive and get in position to take one last shot deep in the endzone. During the last play of regulation, a Wolves wide receiver was wide open in the endzone, every person in the stadium’s heart skipped a beat. But the receiver dropped the pass, sending this game into overtime and giving Highland a chance to go to 3-0.
Highland struck first in the extra session. It took a couple of runs, a screen pass, and three quarterback sneaks to get into the endzone, but the Rams did it, making the score 27-21. All they had to do was punch in the extra-point and get a stop. That didn’t happen though. A bad snap led to a late kicking hold, which led to a blocked kick. This made the stop that the Rams needed to get much more important.
The defense fought till the very end, forcing the Wolves into a fourth down. A stop meant a victory. But a fake QB scramble led to a jump pass touchdown, tying the game at 27. All the Green Canyon Wolves needed was the extra-point. They were able to convert it and secure the victory.
Despite the loss, there are plenty of positives to take away. Most notably, Highland has fought back from fourth-quarter deficits two weeks in a row, showing resolve and confidence in those moments.
“I think it shows that we’re changing the culture at Highland,” McConkie said. “We haven’t been known to fight till the end in past years, so we’re really trying to fight till the end no matter what.”
But ultimately, McConkie thought about key plays that could have made difference.
“If we win this play, we win the game,” McConkie said. “And every play is super important.”
From the opening kickoff, the game was certain to be a classic based on how hard the teams fought right from the start. Highland started off strong. The defensive line was a presence early, forcing a three-and out including two tackles-for-loss on the first possession. After forcing a punt, on the Rams’ second offensive play of the game, Pela connected with wide receiver Carter Hodges for a 42-yard reception which eventually led to a 4-yard Highland touchdown run by McConkie. This touchdown ends Green Canyon’s 2-game shutout streak. On Green Canyon’s next drive, the defensive line was still very present leaving the Green Canyon quarterback no time in the pocket. At the start of the second quarter, Green Canyon had only crossed midfield one time. Green Canyon was able to convert a 3rd and 11 and tacked on 15 extra yards after a late hit penalty was called. This set up Green Canyons first chance to score. A 25-yard reception set up a 1-yard run touchdown which set the game at 7-7.
The game was back-and-forth the rest of way, with both teams taking turns converting on fourth downs, making big defensive plays, and searching for a knockout punch. But neither team could separate themselves, eventually creating an overtime situation.
This loss was super heartbreaking for the Rams as they were unable to secure a 3-0 record going into region play. Highland will look to bounce back next week at Brighton in their first region match of the season.
