Edwardsville overcomes halftime deficit, slips past Highland in non-conference showdown
Edwardsville running back Kellen Bnfre and quarterback Jake Curry had their share of challenges Friday night against an opportunistic Highland defense.
However, when the rains stopped and the clock hit zeros, the Tigers duo did what was needed. Bnfre scored a pair of rushing touchdowns and caught a touchdown pass from Curry and Curry scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter as Edwardsville held off Highland for a 31-28 win in the Tigers’ home opener at District 7 Athletic Complex.
It was another big, hard-fought win for Edwardsville, which moved to 2-0 fresh off a week one 41-34 double overtime win at Jackson (Missouri) on Aug. 26.
“It was a good home opener,” said Curry. “We came out hot and then we came out a little slow and then we came out hot again.”
Highland, which blasted Washington 54-10 on the road Aug. 26, dropped to 1-1. And the Bulldogs felt like an opportunity to knock off an IHSA Class 8A power in Edwardsville slipped through their fingertips.
“I was proud that we didn’t let any big plays up in the special teams ... there were too many big plays (given up) on defense and we’ve got to get better at tackling bigger, stronger athletes. But, at the end of the day, our boys fought to the end,” Highland coach Jimmy Warnecke said.
The Tigers took a 3-0 lead on a 24-yard Tyler Dacus field at 5:15 of the first quarter.
After a Bulldogs three and out, Bnfre scored on a 45-yard slant pass from Curry, pushing the lead to 10-0 late in the first quarter.
HHS answered midway through the second quarter as Travis Porter finished a Bulldog drive with a 2-yard touchdown run, cutting the margin to 10-7.
On the next Tigers series, Bnfre responded, breaking off a dazzling 57-yard touchdown run that extended the lead to 17-7.
Highland’s offense then came alive in the final six minutes of the opening half as Brent Wuebbles hit Cade Altdonna for a 23-yard corner pass for a touchdown. Then, just before the half, Brendan Gelly recovered a Tigers fumble and Porter converted the turnover into a 1-yard touchdown dive just before the intermission to give HHS its first only lead of the night at 21-17.
“I felt we found our way with the run game a little bit and started hitting some gainers and getting a good mix (of plays),” Warnecke said.
Edwardsville regained the momentum to start the second half as Bnfre scored his final touchdown of the night on an 11-yard dash around left end, putting the Tigers back in front 24-21 with 9:04 left in the third quarter.
Edwardsville pads lead, runs out the clock
Early in the fourth quarter, the Tigers were on the march again, driving down to the Bulldogs’ 16-yard line. On a 2nd and 5 play, Curry called his own number, dashed right, and scored a touchdown to push the advantage to 31-21 with 8:51 remaining.
“That touchdown was really good, but I wouldn’t have scored if it wasn’t for Joey (DeMare) on that awesome block,” Curry said. “When we play as a team, no one can beat us.”
HHS was far from done though. The Bulldogs responded and reached the end zone when Wuebbles and Altadonna connected on a 15-yard scoring strike, trimming the deficit to 31-28 with only 4:40 left.
Edwardsville, however, got the back at its 24-yard line and drove past midfield before running the clock out near the Bulldogs 40-yard line.
Final remarks from Edwardsville, Highland coaches
Tigers coach Matt Martin was thrilled to prevail but also credited Highland.
“We knew Highland would be a great challenge and they have good speed and really good athletes,” Martin said. “Jimmy Warnecke does a great job with their program.”
Highland entered the game looking for a win and respect. The Bulldogs didn’t quite get the win but they definitely earned some respect.
“I felt we got the respect of the opposing team’s staff, the town of Edwardsville for our alumni and we went toe to toe with a team who’s ranked No. 10 in 8A football. We didn’t back down and I think that speaks volumes about the boys we’ve got in this locker room,” Warnecke said.
Next up
Both teams resume action next weekend, as Highland hosts Marion at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, and Edwardsville visits Soldan at noon Saturday, Sept. 10.
This story was originally published September 3, 2022 at 12:20 AM with the headline "Edwardsville overcomes halftime deficit, slips past Highland in non-conference showdown."