Tale of Two Halves: Collins Hill Downs Roswell, 24-21

The Hornet's Nest at Roswell High School was buzzing with a packed crowd Friday night as Roswell football kicked off its first game of 2011 against Collins Hill.

Roswell got off to an early start recovering the first of four Collins Hill turnovers. Quarterback Ryan Monty led the Hornets down the field and running back Corey Wilson danced into the endzone to put Roswell up 7-0 in the first.

Collins Hill was able to tie it up late in the first quarter with a hand off from quarterback Bradley Johnson to running back Jordan Parker. Roswell would not be denied and quickly answered back. Running back Andrew Kwateng had an 8-yard touchdown run, putting Roswell up 14-7 with 5:44 left in the first half. Unable to hold onto the ball, Collins Hill fumbled and Roswell was yet again able to convert it into points. Kwateng was able to nail down his second touchdown of the game with a 1-yard run, putting Roswell up 21-7.

The score held as both teams headed to their respective locker rooms. Roswell looked confident and wanted to maintain the defensive pressure that led to four Collins Hill turnovers; and Collins Hill was desperate to hold onto the ball and make the key plays to get them back into the game.

As the second half began, Collins Hill made the adjustments they needed to on both sides of the ball and Roswell began to look worn down. An overwhelming 10 play, 67-yard drive that took six minutes off the clock led to a Collins Hill touchdown, putting them within a seven points of the Hornets.

Collins Hill’s defense shut down Roswell, as they continued to struggle on offense throughout the third quarter, and at the 9:55 mark in the fourth quarter, Collins Hill put themselves within four points, kicking a 30-yard field goal to make it 21-17.

Hornets fans who had kept their team revved in the first half were struggling to keep up morale once the 14-point lead had eroded. 

Late in the third, Collins Hill had all the momentum and Roswell was struggling to maintain their lead. On third and 19, Collins Hill’s QB Johnson converted for the first down and at that point, the game seemed to slip from the Hornet’s grasp. The Eagles marched down the field, looking poised, as Roswell’s defense looked worn down and unable to contain Johnson’s arsenal. Collins Hill’s Tevin Holliday scored a touchdown and after the extra point, Collins Hill took a 24-21 lead that would be the final score. 

The Hornets had their backs against the wall and with less than four minutes left in the game, a three point deficit looked insurmountable. Ryan Monty did his best to drive down the field, including an epic run, but was undone on an interception by Collins Hill’s Connor Boston.

Roswell had one more opportunity, but backed up to their endzone, Monty had nothing left except for a Hail Mary. With all his might, he heaved the pigskin through air only to be intercepted by Boston again, ending the game. Collins Hill left a stunned Hornet’s Nest victorious and Roswell players were left to regroup.

The Hornets will stay at home next week taking on Peachtree Ridge at 7:30 p.m., hoping to notch their first win of the season. Collins Hill stays on the road, heading to Brookwood next week and will also be kicking off at 7:30 p.m.