GRANGER TOWNSHIP — Since the formation of the Suburban League American Conference, Highland vs. Aurora has been one of the conference’s best games.
When the two rivals met Sept. 12 at North Gateway Tire Stadium, both sides expressed regret it would be the last time they met as conference rivals. Highland was 5-4 against Aurora over the last decade, with the winner often winning the American title.
The final conference title was not as close as the legacy.
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Highland (4-0) dominated both side of the ball, routing Aurora (1-3) 41-7 to remain unbeaten.
“We have so much respect for their program,” said Highland coach Mike Gibbons. “I think the series is 6-4, so it’s been back and forth for a decade. These kids were sophomores when we lost here, so they have an understanding of the rivalry and what goes into it.”
Highland’s offense was diverse and prolific, though All-Ohio running back Casey Myser remains its bedrock. Myser ran for 73 yards and two TDs on 13 first-half carries.
However, the catalyst for the Hornets was quarterback Grady Gibb, who ran in a 1-yard QB sneak for Highland’s first TD, followed by two touchdown throws.
Gibbs was perfect through the air, going 7-of-7 passing for 153 yards and two TDs, along with 53 rushing yards on eight carries.
“Gibb has played outstanding all year long,” Gibbons said. “We have a lot of guys who can do things when we get them the ball, so we’re going to keep trying to get them the ball.”
Aurora was held to nine yards of total offense in the first half. The Greenmen avoided the shut out late in the fourth quarter when backup quarterback Marc McGovern threw a 10-yard TD pass to tight end Drew Scott.
Here’s how the game went down in live updates.
Highland football dominates Aurora 41-7
The Hornets improved to 4-0 for the season by dominating the Greenmen (1-3) on both sides of the ball.
Aurora football finds the end zone to prevent the shutout
The Greenmen found the end zone late in the fourth quarter to prevent the shutout.
Quarterback Marc McGovern hit tight end Drew Scott for a 10-yard TD pass. Mathew Muth made the PAT to make it 41-7 Highland with just over two minutes left.
Highland football in command 41-0 over Aurora after three quarters
Highland is one quarter away from going 4-0, as the Hornets lead 41-0 through three quarters.
Highland football reserves get into the act with TD pass
Highland has put its second team offense, but it has not stopped the onslaught.
Backup quarterback Jonathan Prucha hit Ben Radigan in the end zone for an 11-yard TD pass. The extra point failed, but Highland stretched its lead to 41-0.
Highland football hits the long ball TD to open the second half
Highland didn’t waste time after getting the second half kickoff.
On the second play from scrimmage, Grady Gibb threw a long ball to NIck Dobkowski, who got behind the Aurora defense for a 63-yard TD pass. Jonah Kowza hit the PAT to make it 35-0 with 11:18 left in the third quarter and invoke the running clock.
Halftime statistics for Highland-Aurora football
Highland football leads 28-0 over Aurora at the half
Highland has been in command on both sides of the ball, taking a 28-0 lead into the locker room. What’s more, the Hornets will receive the second-half kickoff.
Long drive yields fourth TD for Highland football
Having to go 85 yards after a nice punt by Aurora, Highland took more then 7 minutes off the clock. Casey Myser converted a fourth-and-1 run and then drove into end zone with a 4-yard TD run. Jonah Kozwa hit the PAT to make it 28-0 with 18 seconds left in the first half.
Highland football takes to the air for third TD
Highland’s offense is showing all of its facets in the first half.
Quarterback Grady Gibb hit Jake Weber on a perfect post route for a 36-yard TD pass. Jonah Kozwa hit the PAT to make it 21-0 with 11:15 left in the second quarter.
Highland football leads Aurora 14-0 after one quarter
It’s been one-way traffic so far in this game, as Highland has a two touchdown lead with Aurora yet to get a first down. The Greenmen open the second quarter with fourth and 20 at their own 10.
Highland football turns pick into TD
Highland’s defense stepped up, as Nick Dobkowski snagged a interception over the middle at the Aurora 43.
Five plays later, Casey Myser scored his seventh TD of the young season, bouncing outside for a 7-yard TD run. Jonah Kowza hit the PAT to make 14-0 Highland with 2:09 left in the first quarter.
Highland football takes first drive into the end zone
After forcing a quick three-and-out, Highland’s offense took advantage of a short field.
Highland took its time with a 10-play, 48-yard drive. The Hornets capped it with a 1-yard QB sneak from Grady Gibb. Jonah Kowza hit the PAT to make it 7-0 Highland with 4:05 left in the first quarter.
Highland football wins coin toss and defers; Aurora to receive opening kickoff
The Hornet won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. Aurora will receive the opening kickoff and defend the south goal in the first quarter. Perfect night for football here in Granger Township. Sunny skies, light wind and no rain in the forecast.
Who are the key players for Highland football?
Casey Myser remains the backbone of the Hornets offense. The All-Ohio running back ran for 80 yards and a touchdown in the win over Avon Lake. Highland quarterback Grady Gibb has stepped up, throwing for 171 yards and 3 TDs, along with 121 yards rushing and a TD, against Avon Lake. Evan Foust has been a force on both sides of the ball for Highland.
Who are the key players for Aurora football?
Xavier Board has shouldered the rushing load for the Greenmen this year. In Week 3 against Twinsburg, Board rushed for 76 yards and 2 TDs. Ryan Ziegler has taken over at quarterback for the Greenmen, though Mathew Muth could see some time.
Contact Michael Leonard via email at mleonard@recordpub.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: OHSAA football scores | Aurora at Highland recap, highlights
Reporting by Michael Leonard, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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