Hillsboro loses to East Clinton, 3-0, in overtime
The Highland County Press
Tyler Sweet kicked a 32-yard field goal in overtime to give the East Clinton Astros a 3-0 overtime win Friday during a rain-soaked Homecoming Night at Richards Memorial Field.
With a smattering of true football fans remaining on either sideline, Hillsboro and East Clinton put up a defensive battle for four periods. After 48 minutes of action, the scoreboard read the same as it did at the opening kickoff: 0-0.
Each team had its opportunities to score.
However, strong defensive play coupled with a steady downpour throughout the contest, limited the scoring chances.
On the opening kickoff, Hillsboro had a golden opportunity after R.J. Collard recovered his own kick near midfield. The Indians' offense couldn't capitalize on the turnover.
After an exchange of punts, East Clinton moved deep into Hillsboro territory until Latrell Haithcock intercepted an Erik Moore pass in the end zone.
Hillsboro's offense moved the chains on runs by Braden Wildey and Jordan Mosley, as time expired in the opening period with no score.
On the first play of the second quarter, Wildey broke free for a 12-yard gain. But on the next series, Warrington was chased from the pocket and ran backwards 24 yards before fumbling.
Once again, though, the Indians' defense held. Tackles by Lane Hester and Jed Asmus stopped East Clinton on a fourth-and-two play.
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The half ended with neither team able to dent the scoreboard and many fans heading for the exits.
In the third period, the Astros were moving the ball – until Skylar Murphy recovered an EC fumble to stop the drive.
On the Tribe's next possession, Heith Brown carried for 25 yards into Astros' territory. Once again, though, the elements were a factor. Coming out of a timeout on fourth-and-five, Hillsboro's pass was intercepted and another 15 yards were tacked on to the end of the return for a horse-collar penalty.
East Clinton moved inside the Hillsboro 10-yard line with a first-and-goal at the nine. An offensive pass interference cost the Astros 15 yards and the Hillsboro defense held as Brown tackled Moore on fourth down.
With swirling winds and a driving rain, the fourth quarter became a punting contest as each team punted three times in 12 minutes.
In the overtime format, each team would have a possession from the 20-yard line at the east end zone. East Clinton managed a field goal at the 4:35 mark in overtime for the game's first score.
On the Indians, possession, nothing went right. They lost a yard on first down. Then, they had a delay-of-game penalty that cost five more yards. On third-and-16, Clyde Snow intercepted a Hillsboro pass and the game was suddenly over.
The loss was Hillsboro's fourth consecutive shutout.
Hillsboro (2-5) will travel to Miami Trace on Friday, Oct. 17.
Score by quarters
ECHS – 00 00 00 00 03 – 3
HHS – 00 00 00 00 00 – 0