Armstrong turns back Highlands at goal line in OT thriller

By: Josh Rizzo
Friday, August 23, 2024 | 10:53 PM

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Frank Fabian isn’t sure who halted Highlands quarterback Menage Lucas’ twisting effort at the goal line.

But the Armstrong football coach said his kids told him it was Markayne Duncan who stopped a diving Lucas inches short during a 2-point conversion attempt in the first overtime of a 38-37 Week Zero victory for the River Hawks Friday night at Golden Rams Stadium.

“They called a timeout, so we were telling our kids Menage,” Fabian said. “He’s been the guy all day. I would have put the ball in his hands and live with it. … I don’t know who made it, so I’m going to go back in and give him a big hug here.”

Armstrong (1-0) went ahead in the first overtime when Kyan Kline threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Quinn Olsen. Kline, who led the River Hawks with 130 receiving yards, was only in the game at quarterback because Armstrong quarterback Jaydon Oliver got hurt a few plays earlier.

Kline felt comfortable the defense would step up.

“I knew we were stopping him,” Kline said. “I think he was close. Ref called it our way.”

Lucas wasn’t afraid to take chances.

The Golden Rams dug out of a 13-point first-quarter deficit thanks to Lucas’ playmaking. Lucas, who threw for 217 yards last season, exceeded his passing total by throwing for 239 yards and two scores. He also ran for 193 yards and three touchdowns.

Highlands coach Matt Bonislawski knew the start could be slow.

“I expected it. There were a couple of sophomores on the offensive line, a few freshmen starting on defense,” Bonislawski said. “I thought our effort was there once we settled in and got in the flow.”

After halftime, Highlands took a chance on fourth-and-1 at its 44-yard line. Lucas scrambled for a 16-yard gain. The Golden Rams went ahead two plays later when Lucas scored on a 36-yard run. Highlands stretched the lead to 24-21 when kicker Jackson Babinsack picked up a low snap and threw the ball to Jahmar Wright for a 2-point conversion following Lucas’ score.

Highlands (0-1) could have easily wilted after the River Hawks started the game quickly. Armstrong opened the scoring on a 2-yard touchdown run by Costa Couknas. When Highlands’ offense stalled, Oliver punished them.

Oliver threw a deep pass to Kline, who had a step on the Golden Rams’ secondary and scored on a 62-yard catch-and-run with 13 seconds left in the first quarter. Armstrong had a 13-0 lead and appeared to have an edge in the trenches.

But the Golden Rams’ risk-taking with jump balls turned things around. Lucas threw a jump ball to Jahmar Wright early in the second quarter. Wright led Highlands with 106 receiving yards.

Wright made a leaping grab and then scored on a 62-yard reception of his own. It was the start of 16 straight points for the Golden Rams.

Highlands hit Oliver in the end zone for a safety, and Lucas scored on a 30-yard run to put Highlands ahead 16-14 with less than seven minutes left in the first half.

But no one’s lead seemed safe for long.

On the drive following Lucas’ score, Oliver found Chase Jablonski on a 44-yard catch-and-run that put the River Hawks ahead 21-16 at the half.

Kline was ecstatic about the win.

“Everyone is putting us down this year,” Kline said. “I don’t know why. I think we are a solid group.”

Tags: Armstrong, Highlands