HRC defeats 1st IO in double overtime

Photo by Marny Malin-HRC runningback Al Francis tries to turn upfield but is stopped by 1st IO defenders Ray Washington (21) and Andre Harris (6). Francis scored two touchdowns, including the game winner in double overtime.

It took two overtimes, but HRC (6-2) was able to overcome 1st IO (3-3) Tuesday night on an Al Francis 5-yard, game-winning touchdown run for the 24-18 win.

1st IO went up 12-0 early in the game on a Clarence Cox interception that he returned 20 yards for the touchdown.

A missed extra point turned out to cost 1st IO the game, but they took an early 12-0 lead.

On HRC's next possession, they cut their deficit in half.

Starting on the 36, Francis had a 7-yard gain, which set up second-and-9. Quarterback Stanley Broadus found Eric Boone in the end zone for a 25-yard touchdown pass to bring the score to 12-6.

1st IO appeared to extend their lead on their next series, but a 26-yard pass from quarterback Phil McKinnely to receiver Andre Harris was called back.

Neither team would score again until the end of the second half, when HRC tied the game to send it to overtime.

The play came when 1st IO failed to convert on fourth-and-4, and HRC took over on the IO 32.

Three consecutive Francis runs totaling 29 yards put HRC on the 9-yard line. After two incompletions, Broadus lateraled to Francis, who took the ball the final 9 yards for the touchdown. The PAT, which would have given HRC the lead, hit the uprights, and the score stood at 12-12 at the end of regulation.

1st IO began the penetration overtime on the offensive.

A botched snap and a blocked pass in the end zone gave 1st IO third-and-25. Daniel Canty gained 4 on a sweep, and, on fourth down, McKinnely found Michael Fleshman in the end zone for the touchdown. IO went for a two-point conversion, but the pass was intercepted.

HRC answered on their possession with a touchdown, as well. Francis gains of 5, 9, and 5 yards put HRC on the 1-yard line with one chance to get to the goal.

Broadus completed the quarterback sneak over the goal line to tie the game, but 1st IO kept themselves alive by blocking the extra kick.
In the second overtime, HRC got the ball first, and scored what would prove to be the game-winning touchdown on a Francis sweep-right from the 5.

When IO couldn't convert on fourth-and-goal from the 14, it sealed the win for HRC.