PHHS 26 Hilltop 13

Two teams showed up for the 3:00 kickoff against the Hilltop Lancers. Unfortunately, you need three teams to play a game. Due to a filing error, the refs thought the game was supposed to start at 4:00 pm. Both teams sat in the shade until they arrived.

Once the game started, the Patriots came out hot and were dominant as they beat the mighty Lancers 26-13. The Patriots played with focus and intensity on offense, defense and special teams.

Offensive highlights included a 97 yard TD run by Lee King. The play was so exciting, players and coaches jumped up and down and interfered with referees on the sideline and we were flagged for a 5 yard penalty.

On defense, we had four turnovers with two fumble recoveries and two interceptions, one by Daniel Martin and the other by Arturo Najera. The defense held the Lancers out of the endzone on a terrific goal line stand.

Special Teams were solid as Robert Hammond blocked a punt that led to a Patriot touchdown.

I coached the previous two years at Hilltop and their current Freshman staff consists of guys I coached with and 3 former players of mine who have returned to coach at Hilltop. A friendly rivalry has started between me and their coaching staff. I felt Obi Wan Kanobi going against Anikin Skywalker. It's nice to see my former players getting into coaching football. It was nicer to get a win and shut down my apprentices.

On a sad note, HB Tony Forbes-Murdoch (who scored a TD) was hurt during the 3rd quarter of the game. The defender tackled him from the left side. The left knee then collided with the right knee and Tony suffered a broken tibia and ligament damage to the right knee.

Tony's injury will be a huge loss for us not only as a player, but it's a loss because he is a fine young man. Tony is always positive, works hard and treats his teammates with respect. I make it a point to tell him I love him everyday. I told the team today during weight training and I could see that they were thinking about Tony. We want Tony to know he is still our brother and he will be in our thoughts and prayers. We wish Tony a speedy recovery.