Indians Outlast Huskies in Overtime

John Jay came into Harrison and gave the Huskies their first-ever loss at McGillicuddy Stadium as the Indians walked away with a 27-24 overtime victory Saturday. The win came amid a sea of pink, as Harrison held a "pink out" to raise funds for breast cancer research. Players, coaches and fans all wore pink to show support for the cause. 

Led by senior Will Hilliard, the Huskies were in front for the majority of the game. Hilliard’s two scores on the ground of 42 and 81 yards along with a 3-yard reception from Vinnie Nicita Jr. made up the entirety of the scoring offense for the Huskies in regulation, but it would prove to not be enough as John Jay was able to move the ball on the Harrison defense late.

With Harrison set to start with the ball in the third quarter, one of the most important plays of the game occurred right before halftime. With the Huskies up 14-0, John Jay began to drive to end the half, and with six seconds remaining quarterback Tyler Keech found Jimmy O’Reilly in the end zone for an 8-yard score.

“That was the most important part of the game,” said the junior quarterback. “We got momentum going into halftime and we came out strong in the second half … We just kept fighting, came back and got the win.”

After a quick score on the second play of the half, Harrison maintained a two-touchdown lead for the majority of the third quarter, but Keech and the Indians figured out the Husky defense and they began to exploit the Harrison secondary with ease. The passing game spread out the Harrison defense and that allowed for Keech to pick up two second-half touchdowns on the ground that tied the score and sent the game into overtime.

Harrison did have two glaring opportunities that could have won the game in regulation. Early in the fourth quarter the Huskies lined up for a 40-yard field goal, but after a delay of game penalty backed it up 5 yards, Roberto Bruno missed the kick wide right. Harrison’s other missed opportunity came when the defensive line got good pressure on Keech and the quarterback threw the ball right at Husky defensive tackle Charlie Credendino. Credendino got a hand on the ball popping it up in the air, but he couldn’t locate it in time to catch it for the interception. Had Credendino caught the ball cleanly it very well could have been 6 points.

High school overtime is much like the college game where both teams get the opportunity to score from twenty yards out. Harrison went first and after a dismal three plays, the Huskies were forced to settle for a field goal. John Jay continued to move the ball against the Huskies and on first and goal from the 5, Keech pitched the ball to senior captain Danny Caiola for the game-winning score. 

“It was a zone run to the running back Danny,” said Keech of the final play, “I could have kept [it] or gave it up and Danny needed that touchdown. He was five yards out and he fought the whole way to get it into the end zone.”

Harrison will look to get back on track on Thursday night at 3-1 Ossining. John Jay will host 3-1 Horace Greeley Thursday afternoon.