Springers’ rush hour

After a disjointed first half in which it was able to score only one touchdown, Highland Springs opened the third quarter by grinding out its first convincing drive against Hanover. In small chunks, the Springers' offense reclaimed their home turf and pulled away to a 19-10 win.

"We told them, you know, when we've got people on the ropes, you know, you've kind of got to be like Ali -- you've got to knock'em out," head coach Loren Johnson said. "We felt like, running the ball, we could do that if we execute."

Johnson's team did. Lead ball carrier John Saunders pounded out 205 yards on 29 carries, helping to open up the passing game and setting up all three Springers touchdowns.

Trailing by one after a failed extra-point attempt in the second quarter, Highland Springs (1-0 Capital District, 1-3) started on its own 35-yard line. The biggest single gain of the ensuing drive was a 10-yard run by Jared Smith as Saunders did most of the heavy lifting, carrying six times for 31 yards.

Junior quarterback Wayne Pugh completed a 9-yard pass to JaQuan Burchette on fourth and 4 at the Hawks' 26, then punched in the touchdown from a yard out with 5:10 remaining in the quarter.

Highland Springs took a 12-7 lead, then held Hanover (0-1, 2-2) to a Rachel Moore field goal. The Springers next drive should have died on fourth and long from their own 35, when the Hawks recovered a bad punt. But just as quickly, Hanover fumbled it back to Highland Springs. With a second chance starting near mid field, the Springers pushed through the final touchdown on another short run from Pugh.

"As the game went on, we just got stronger and stronger," right guard Derrick Hopkins said. "We built up everybody's momentum, and we pulled it off."

It was the Capital District opener for both teams, delayed from Friday night because of rain. The Highland Springs players, who had posted a 2-1 record on the field, found out late last week that it will take a clean run through the district to get them back to the Central Region playoffs. An ineligible player cost the Springers their two wins against Douglas Freeman and Mills Godwin.

"It's life," Saunders said. "Things get thrown at you. You've got to go through the course. It's still not taking us away from our goal of a state championship. We can still get to the playoffs, we just have to win the district."

HS -- Pugh 1 run (kick fail)

H -- Cheatham 1 run (Moore kick)

HS -- Pugh 1 run (pass fail)

H -- FG Moore 35

HS -- Pugh 4 run (Taylor kick)
RUSHING

Hanover: Cheatham 11 carries, 25 yards; Wells 9-(-4); Crocker 2-(-4). Highland Springs: John Saunders 19-205; J. Smith 3-115; C. Smith 2-11; Pugh 4-(-4).
PASSING

Hanover: Wells 9 completions, 15 attempts, 1 interception, 68 yards. Highland Springs: Pughp 7-17-1-62.
RECEIVING

Hanover: Crocker 3 catches, 35 yards; Trsic 3-14; Scarborough 1-11; Fogleman 1-6; Yorke 1-2. Highland Springs: Burchette 5-60; C. Smith 2-3; Saunders 1(-1).