It was a rough night for the Highlanders who lost to Saint Andrews on Friday night 47-12. The Highlanders were able to hold Saint Andrews Lions scoreless for most of the first quarter. With about two minutes left in the first quarter, the Lions scored their first touchdown.
With a minute left on the clock, FPCA’s Khalyn Weekley, scored a 30 yard touchdown to even the scoreboard. The Lions then swiftly regained the lead with a 57-yard touchdown in the last seconds of the quarter. At the end of the quarter the score was 13-6 in favor of the Lions.
The second quarter saw the Highlanders struggling to gain any real yardage in what was a lopsided quarter. Penalties called back any real gains the Highlanders made. With 5 minutes left in the quarter, the Lions scored again, padding their lead. Hopes were raised when a Lions fumble was recovered by the Landers.
However, the Highlanders failed to capitalize on the recovery. A quarterback sack on Highlander Steven Young, two penalties, and an incomplete pass on the fourth down effectively ended FPCA’s hope of scoring in this quarter. To end the half, the Lions roared to another touchdown with 9 seconds left on the clock. Score at half was 25-6, Saint Andrews lead.
Another touchdown by the Lions with 7 minutes and 40 seconds left in the third quarter brought the score to 32-6. The Highlanders set up for offense, but lost possession when the onside kick was recovered by the Lions. The second touchdown of the quarter by the Lions and a successful two point conversion widened the gap to 40-6, Saint Andrews lead.
The bright spot of the second half came for the Highlanders at 3 minutes left in the quarter when senior George Mitchell, found the end zone for a touchdown. The Lions’ led 40-12 at the end of the quarter.
Saint Andrews scored once more in the fourth quarter, ending the game at 47-12. Head Coach, Terry Middleton, spoke of his concerns of the injuries sidelining his players. “With three seniors, Jamison Golson, Jordan Gilliard, and Isiah Dickey out with injuries we have had to make adjustments and play our Ironmen outside of normal positions. This had a huge effect on us tonight.
While considering the score difference he said, “We failed to execute, now we need to watch the tapes, figure out where we were lacking, and prepare this week for our home game on Friday against Monsignor Donovan.”
Assistant Coach, David Linderman, highlighted the improvements he has been tracking with the team.
“Khalyn Weekley has become extremely dangerous when he gets into open space. All night long he was double and tripled covered.”
Speaking of sophomore Sensier Carnes, he said, “Sensier ran the ball well all game long and showed great leadership at the half trying to keep the team motivated and get back in the game. Injuries had players like Marcus Williams and Brantley McCorkle playing outside of normal positions and they did an outstanding job stepping in.” Linderman said. “After a few wins you can become complacent and it takes a hard loss to get you back in focus. We as coaches have to do a better job preparing the kids this week. We will go back and watch the tapes, make adjustments, and be ready for Monsignor Donovan on Friday.”
FPCA will play at home Friday, September 16, against Monsignor Donovan. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at Long Bell Stadium in Hinesville.