Rams rally to topple Freeport
FREEPORT — Highlands senior running back Gary Negley started the 2010 high school football season in spectacular fashion by leading the Golden Rams to a 34-24, come-from-behind victory over Freeport Friday night at Swartz Field.
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Negley was the star of the game, rushing for 270 yards and four touchdowns on 31 carries, often breaking multiple tackles to gain extra yardage.
Highlands coach Sam Albert, a former coach at Freeport, was proud of his running back, whom he affectionately calls "The Bulldog."
He also heaped praise on the strong work of the offensive line, which he personally coached this offseason.
The offensive line consists of returning seniors Cory Pitkavish, Matt Roenigk, Nate Ehrlich, and returning junior Riley Shane.
Freeport senior running back Jake Campbell traded touchdowns with Negley in the first and third quarters, doing his best to keep up. Campbell, a second-team all-conference running back last season, finished the night with 66 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns.
Coming out of the half leading only 17-10, Highlands' defense allowed Freeport sophomore quarterback Brendan Lynch to score two quick touchdowns, one coming on an 80-yard strike to senior wide receiver Derek Durand.
However, things began to fall apart in the fourth quarter for coach John Gaillot's Yellowjackets, as the Freeport defensive line couldn't do enough to stop the slippery Negley.
After falling behind 24-17 at 8:41 of the third quarter, Highlands junior quarterback Gage Clark led three crucial time-consuming drives, resulting in two Negley touchdowns, a 24-yard field goal from sophomore kicker Mike Masarik, and a 34-24 lead.
Masarik also nailed a 42-yard field goal with no time remaining in the second quarter.
Highlands, which finished 1-9 last season in the Class AAA Greater Allegheny Conference, will play Derry Area High School at home next week.
Freeport plays at Quaker Valley next Friday.
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