By Gary Thomas

 

Coach Justin Bragg’s No. 1 ranked 2A Highland Home Flying Squadron continued their unbeaten season by demolishing the Saint Luke Wildcats, 51-0 in the first round of the AHSAA 2A football playoffs. The win marked the sixth time this season that the Flyboys defense shut down their opponent by not letting them score. They have only given up a total of 52 points in 11 ball games.

After receiving the opening kickoff, the Squadron offense drove 66 yards in eight plays to take a 7 to 0 lead over the Cats as Austin Crittenden scored from six yards out with 7:50 showing on the clock. The Highland Home wing-T hit pay dirt as quarterback, TJ Washington, hit tight end JJ Faulk on a three-yard pass. Austin Norman’s PAT kick was true to give Highland Home a 14-0 advantage.

After receiving the ensuing kick off, the Wildcat offense was pinned back deep in their own territory. The Flyboy defense stood strong to force a Wildcat punt. But with 36 seconds left in the first quarter, defensive linebacker CJ May blocked the punt attempt and raced 21 yards for the Squadron score as the score stood at Highland Home 21, Saint Luke’s 0 going into the second quarter.

Once again, the Squadron special teams showed up when punt return man Tyler Chaney raced 73 untouched yards for the fourth touchdown on the night. Norman‘s PAT kick gave the Flyboys a 28-0 lead.

With 7:34 to go before halftime, Crittenden notched his second touchdown of the game on a 32-yard run to give the hometown team a 35 point lead. The Wildcat offense was unable to gain any momentum as linebacker Javian McMillan sacked the Cat quarterback in the end zone for a safety, giving Highland Home a 37-0 lead with just over five minutes on the scoreboard clock.

After a Wildcat punt, the Squadron scored their sixth touchdown of the first half as Crittenden raced 44 yards for his third touchdown and Highland Home led 44-0 going into halftime. 

The Squadron scored a touchdown to make the final score Highland Home 51, St. Luke’s 0.

Highland Home scored in all three phases of the game Friday night, and did things on offense and special teams as they continued their history-making season in search of that elusive state title. The Squadron will stay in the friendly confines of Clay-Jordan Stadium as they host the 9-and-2, No. 9 ranked Providence Christian Eagles Friday.