Vanguards’ comeback falls just short

It wasn’t the result they hoped for. But Wisconsin Heights’ football team had a lot to feel good about after its 36-28 loss to Highland last Friday. The Vanguards rallied from a 28-6 deficit and forged a 28-all tie early in the fourth quarter. But the Cardinals responded and held on for a thrilling win. “It was probably the best game I have been a part of, playing and coaching wise,” Heights coach Connor Herrling said. “That game is what this team is about. We were trailing by 20 points at halftime and I told them this game isn’t done. I talked to them at half and said ‘now we will see what you gentleman are made of. Now we will see if this football program and your teammates matter to you.’ And sure stuff, they fought back.” There were many positives the Vanguards could take from this defeat. Quarterback Quinn Payne completed 12-of-20 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns, while wideout Reed Adler had six receptions for 185 yards and two scores. Cody Blicharz had 20 carries for 176 yards (7.8 average) and a touchdown, while defensively, John Reader had 13 tackles and three sacks and Damien Henning had 10 tackles and one sack  Heights actually struck first in this one when Blicharz had a 4-yard touchdown run. The two-point conversion failed, though, and the Vanguards led, 6-0. Highland returned the ensuing kickoff for a score, which started a run of 28 unanswered points by the Cardinals. Heights refused to go away, though, which is why Herrling was so encouraged afterwards. First, Payne and Adler hooked up for a 55-yard touchdown pass and catch, and two-point conversion pulled the Vanguards within 28-14. Payne and Adler then connected on an 81-yard scoring play as Heights crept back within 28-20 after three quarters. Early in the fourth quarter, Blicharz ripped off a 61-yard touchdown run and added the two-point conversion run to tie the game, 28-28. And even though Highland responded — and eventually prevailed — there was a lot for Heights to feel good about. “This team learned a lot about each other after this game,” Herrling said. “This team is truly a brotherhood, and it will not be broken. These are guys that have been raised them right.  “Respect, humbleness, and gratefulness is what these kids know. I would and will do anything for this team or my coaches. We win out from here. No excuses. Just go and win out.”