Comeback Eludes Highlanders in Opening Loss to Clarkston

After a bittersweet fourth quarter that almost ended in a comeback, Adams High School lost to Clarkston 28-21 in the Highlanders' season opener at home.

The game was an emotional rollercoaster; Adams trailed through most of the game.

"We got really worn down in the second half, and that was a big factor in the game," Adams head coach Tony Patritto said. 

Quarterback Tony Annese scored in the first half on a run; backup quarterback Cory Clemens threw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter.

Fourth quarter drama  

The Highlander fans stuck around after the concession stand ran out of hot dogs and pizza; what they saw was an almost-sensational comeback.

Here's how the fourth quarter broke down:

• With 7:28 left in the game, Clarkston has a 28-7 lead, but the Highlanders refuse to give up hope.
• As the clock reads 6:42 Clemens replaces Annese at quarterback after Annese comes out injured.
• Clemens wastes no time in throwing the ball in a five-play drive through the air, ending with an touchdown pass to Andrew McBride, and the Highlanders are down 28-14.
• A failed onside kick and a defensive stop later, Clemens completes an 83-yard touchdown pass, this time hooking up with Ben Hart.
• Now only trailing by a touchdown, the Highlanders force Clarkston to punt in their own zone and get the ball back on the 48-yard line with 1:55 remaining (and no timeouts.) The battle is now against a hungry Wolves defense — and the clock.
• Annese takes over at quarterback for the first two plays of the Highlanders final stand before coming out again with injury.  
• Clemens is unable to get out of bounds on a quarterback sneak, and with no timeouts and under a minute left it is down to one play.
• Clemens is forced out of the pocket and has a shot to continue the late rally but is intercepted on a pass after a moment's hesitation trying to throw towards the sideline.

It was a bittersweet end to the Highlanders comeback attempt.

Coach Patritto comments

"Against a team like Clarkston we can't make mistakes, the penalties and offensive mistakes in the first half cost us 14 points," Patritto said.

Both teams were playing hard-nosed football; a few hits caused helmets to fly off.

"They had 30 yards rushing in the first half. We didn't defend the pass very well, but they couldn't run the ball," Patritto said.  

"As we got tired they were more successful running the ball, and I give them credit because they finished when they had to."

The defense kept the late rally alive despite what was sure to be physical and emotional exhaustion.

"Our team stayed together until the end. We had starters cramping up and back-ups came in and made plays," Patritto said.  

What did the Highlanders take away from this emotional rollercoaster?

"We told our kids we have to build on it and live to fight another day," Patritto said.

For more on Adams High School football, Rochester Patch.

Adams plays at Farmington next Friday, Sept. 2.