Highlands makes late stand to hang on for victory against Armstrong

By: Ted Sarneso
Friday, October 20, 2023 | 11:01 PM

Playoff fates were on the line when Highlands faced Armstrong in a Class 4A Greater Allegheny Conference battle Friday, and the game came down to the last second as Highlands (5-4, 2-3) survived a late drive by Armstrong (5-4, 2-3) to emerge with a 17-15 win.

Coming out for the second half, Armstrong moved junior receiver Kyan Kline to quarterback to try to find an offensive spark.

“At that point, we didn’t feel like our offense was doing much,” River Hawks coach Frank Fabian said. “He came in and did a nice job for us, moving the ball down the field three times. Real proud of the way he responded. Says a lot about him.”

Kline finished 5 of 6 for 84 yards and a touchdown and ran for 95 yards on 15 carries.

With 3 minutes, 3 seconds left in the game, Armstrong began on its own 19-yard line down 17-9.

After a big pass from Kline to junior receiver Ian Olsen and a couple more runs by Kline, Armstrong had the ball on a third-and-goal at the 2-yard line, looking to extend the game with the clock ticking down.

The snap went over Kline’s head, but he was able to scoop the ball and find Olsen wide open in the end zone, giving the River Hawks a chance for a 2-point conversion and overtime.

Kline took the snap and followed his blockers to the right, but the Golden Rams’ Luke Bombalski fought through his block to stop Kline short, sealing the victory for Highlands.

“They say great players make big plays,” Bombalski said. “That’s all I was trying to do. I shot my gap when I saw the lineman pulling down, and the hole was wide open for me to make the stop.”

Added Highlands coach Matt Bonislawski: “We were fighting every play. I like the character that we’re building. This was a great win for us. Our defense was all over the field tonight. A lot of guys stepped up tonight on that side of the ball.”

The Golden Rams’ defense forced Armstrong into five turnovers: two interceptions (Montrell Johnson and Darius Cherry) and three fumbles.

Highlands led 7-2 after the first half.

The halftime rain was a factor as Oliver fumbled the ball on the River Hawks opening possession of the second half. The fumble was recovered by Rams senior Jordyn Taverez.

The River Hawks second drive of the second half ended before it began as Freshman quarterback Jaydon Oliver had the snap go over his head and the Rams’ Menage Lucas recovered in the end zone for a touchdown.

Kline would take over under center for the River Hawks after that and found Olsen for a 39-yard touchdown pass to inch Armstrong closer 14-9.

The River Hawks committed their fifth turnover of the game as Kline found Chase Jablonski for a 6-yard gain, but Jablonski fumbled the ball back to the Rams. Burton Babinsack then would make a 27-yard field goal for Highlands.

The Rams scored on their first possession of the game as quarterback Aaran Randolph and Bombalski ran the Golden Rams across midfield. On a third-and-13, Randolph found Jahmar Wright for a 42-yard touchdown pass.

Armstrong pinned Highlands at its own 1-yard line, where Randolph misplayed the snap and ran out of the end zone for a safety.

Randolph finished 2 of 4 passing for 58 yards and a touchdown and added 76 yards rushing.

With the win, Highlands stays alive in the playoff picture, needing a win next week at home against Hampton and a loss by Kiski Area to get in.

“We have to see who’s healthy and what we can do with the lineup,” Bonislawski said. “We’re going to see what we got tomorrow, but whoever’s in there, I know we’re going to fight.”

Armstrong needs a win against Kiski Area next week and a Highlands loss to make it.

“We go into every week looking to be 1-0 in that week,” Fabian said. “Certainly, what it’ll be next week. We’re going to use every ounce of energy out of our guys next week to get a win.”

Tags: Armstrong, Highlands