Horness runs wild as Tigers win homecoming game

HOWARDS GROVE – The Howards Grove Tigers jumped out to a 28-0 lead before halftime and never looked back – cruising to a 38-28 victory over Stockbridge in front of their homecoming crowd Friday night.

Howards improved to 2-2 in the Central Lakeshore Conference football race (2-4 overall). Senior running back Collin Horness powered the Tigers’ offense with a career-high 265 yards rushing and five touchdowns.

The scoring started on the first possession for Howards. Horness made his impact early with some great open-field moves that earned him a 19-yard run. Horness then capped off the drive on a sweep play that resulted in a 22-yard run to paydirt with 8:45 left in the first quarter.

The Tiger defense looked strong – stepping up when needed and giving the offense opportunities to build its lead.

The Tigers improved their lead to 14-0 on their second drive. Quarterback Eric Dickmyer hit wideout Mike Verfuerth for a nice 27-yard gain on a quick slant to get the drive going.

Dickmyer kept the drive alive – hitting Matt Wleklinski for a 24- yard gain on third down and 18 that brought the Tigers down to the Indians’ doorstep on the 3-yard line.

“It was a screen play we run. Wlekinski has great speed and our blockers really blocked well,” said Tiger head coach Dave Schmid.

Horness then scored on a 1-yard plunge with 3:16 left in the first quarter. The Tigers were in control of the game throughout.

Horness added a big chunk of his rushing yardage on a 91-yard TD blast in the second quarter that made it 21-0.

“He ran extremely well. Our offensive line stayed on their blocks and really opened things up,” said Schmid.

The Stockbridge scored 22 un- answered points in the fourth quarter but it was too little, too late as the Tigers cruised to victory.