High School Football:
Rancocas Valley Runs to Victory Over Highland

Saturday, October 24, 1998

By Art Redd
SJSports Staff Writer

Every team loves to get that early lead to gain the edge on their opponent. The Red Devils did that on their opening drive and held off Highland's late charge. Rancocas Valley increased their record to 4-2 while Highland fell to 2-4. The final score showed that extra points could win the game. The Tartans failed on both point after attempts and lost 14-12.

The Red Devils starting their offense with the ground attack during the opening drive of the game. Mike Cutshaw was used often to test the defense of Highland. He would be successful when he took a pitch and scored on a 6-yard run. Rancocas Valley would convert on the point after to give them a 7-0 with 7:06 remaining in the first quarter. Highland would turn the ball back over to the Red Devils on downs and they continued to use the strategy that got them their first score. This time, the Tartans defense stalled Rancocas Valley at the 25-yard line. Highland began to use the running game and it began to work. Brent Tyson was finding success behind his offensive line. Highland got to the 12-yard line of the Red Devils but the field goal attempt failed.

In the second quarter, Tyson put his team within one point when he scored on a 16-yard touchdown run. The point after failed and Highland was only a point away with 6:16 remaining in the half. But the Red Devils ground game continued to test the Highland's defense. With 3:17 remaining, Mike Reid scored on a 3-yard run to go up 14-6 after the extra point.

This game came down to which team would convert on their extra point attempts. Highland opened the scoring in the second half with a 8-yard touchdown run by Tyson. The Tartans attempted a 2-point conversion, but it was unsuccessful. Neither team could get their offense going for the rest of the game. Rancocas Valley would leave Highland High School with an inter-division victory.

Photos by Art Redd