Greyhounds Defeat Highlanders 49-26 in Playoffs

The fourth-seeded defeated the visiting Friday evening in a North Coast Section Division 4 playoff match-up.  The Hounds dominated the game, never behind in points, winning 49-26.

Healdsburg’s proven ball control offense and a strong defensive showing stymied the Highlanders most of the game. The Hounds scored early taking a 6-0 lead into the second quarter.  Piedmont kicked a field goal bringing the score to 6-3.  They never got closer the rest of the game. Sixteen seconds later, an the ball around end for an 80 yard touchdown.   

Healdsburg executed a balanced offensive attack with 365 yard rushing, 142 passing for a solid 507 total yards.  Opperman completed 12 of 15 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns and added 147 yards on the ground on nine carries.   

rushed for 126 yards in the first half, but re-aggravated a foot injury on the second half kick-off and sat-out the remainder of the game.   

The Hound defensive secondary provided solid pass coverage, keeping the Highlander aerial attack in check. Piedmont put the ball in the air a total of 44 times.  Quarterback Eric Huppert completed 19 passes for 310 yards and a pair of touchdowns.  However the Hounds sacked Huppert four times and intercepted him twice in the fourth quarter, including a pick-off in the end zone with only seconds left in the game.   

Taking a 41-10 lead into the fourth quarter, Healdsburg started paying some of their reserve players.  This allowed the Highlanders the chance to put up 16 more points.  With Opperman back in the game, the Hounds controlled the final minutes, stopping a late surge by the Highlanders.  

A total of 23 penalties were called in the game (11 Healdsburg, 12 Piedmont) and included a Piedmont player being ejected for striking an opponent on the ground, nullifying a 70-yard Highlander touchdown.  

The Greyhounds will play the winner of Saturday’s game between St. Helena (#5) and Arcata (#12).