by Nicholas Quinn
If you were to tell me that these two teams played just a week ago, and it resulted in a 44-14 Hills East blowout, I would fall on the sword swearing that you were lying. Newfield set the tempo early with a crucial goal line stand, letting Hills East know a different team showed up today as opposed to one they saw just a week ago. The first quarter went back and forth with each offensive drive eventually stalling out.
Finally, mid way through the second quarter, Newfield’s offense found a rhythm. Quarterback James Hannon primarily calling his own number. Hills East had no answer for the Quarterback power early, and Newfield knew it. First and goal, Hannon barreled his way into the end zone to kill the stalemate. Newfield up 7-0 with 6:28 left in the half.
However, it didn’t take long for Hills East to respond. A drive led on the ground by Dakim Griffin ended perfectly with Griffin reaching the end zone on a two yard run. Score evens at seven a piece with three minutes left in the half. Griffin had 170 yards on the ground, but barring penalties, he probably would’ve had over 300 rushing yards and about two more touchdowns. You can sense his frustration after his second long touchdown run got called back. Regardless, he is absolutely sensational in the open field, a threat to score anywhere on the field.
Although Hills East gained momentum and tied the contest, Newfield wasn’t done with the first half. With Hills East expecting Quarterback power, Newfield pulled out and decided to pass. In a blink of an eye, Hannon had them in the red zone with his arm. Two straight runs by Hannon and Hills East was ready. Third and goal, Hannon fakes power, and hits Maxwell Martin to go up 13-7. Newfield would take that lead into halftime.
The second half was nothing short of a dog fight. Back and forth until Dakim Griffin’s huge run midway through the third quarter to get Hills East deep into Newfield territory. Hills East Quarterback, Jacob Robinson decided it was time to put his mark on this game. Robinson took the snap and rolled right, couldn’t find anybody, but saw an opening. Robinson took off and fell into the end zone where he was greeted by teammates. The ten yard scamper, what would ultimately be the final scoring play of the contest put Hills Eat up 14-13 late in the third quarter. Newfield got into Hills East red zone late in the fourth quarter, but was unsuccessful in punching it in. Major credit to that Hills East defense who was able to send their fans home happy.
“We came out here and played a better half of football. We did what we needed to do to win this football game. My coaches and teammates having my back was calming and allowed me to do what I can,” said Jacob Robinson.
“When it comes to the playoffs, it’s a whole different monster. We just played that team last week and won by about thirty. That’s a great coaching staff, making adjustments. We went into halftime, I pretty much told them we’re not playing our style of football. We worked too hard for our season to end in this manor. The guys really stepped up to the occasion, defense pitched a shutout in the second half. Kudos to Newfield, that’s a great coaching staff.” -Coach Marcelin
Half Hollow Hills East will take on Bellport in the semi finals next weekend.
