Owls fumble away victory at Higgins

By Fred Gray

The Hedley Owls opened their 2013 season at Higgins with fumble trouble, but even so, they put up a spirited effort before falling 31 to 25.

With Hedley trailing 6 – 0 at the end of the first quarter, both teams put up 12 points in the second quarter, for a 18 – 12 Higgins lead at halftime. In the second half, Hedley cut the final score to 6 points.

In addition to the fumble fest the Owls special teams had the expected first game problems, allowing the opening game kick-off to be returned for a touchdown. Additionally, they allowed a blocked punt to be returned for a touchdown late in the game, with the outcome still very much in doubt.

Overcoming their mistakes – 12 fumbles resulting in 9 turnovers – the Owls never quit trying and fought back to make a game of it. They played together as a team and didn’t give up on each other. The Owls controlled the game with their ground attack, rushing for 263 yards on 40 carries, for a healthy 6.6 yards per carry.

Big back Seth Ruthardt pounded the Coyotes for 50 yards on 10 carries, while Hedley’s scrappy sophomore workhorse Klaton Moore sliced and diced the Higgins defense for 213 yards on 30 carries, a healthy 7.1 yards per carry.

As expected of Jack Shely teams, Hedley’s defense was aggressive and effective. Kyle Lindsey had 14 tackles, Jake Owens added 7, and Denver Chambless contributed 11 tackles to the cause. Klaton Moore added 6, and sophomore Arden Haught made his presence felt with two tackles. Seth Ruthardt was a beast at middle linebacker, with a good night’s work of 16 tackles, when he wasn’t rumbling through the overmatched Coyote defense. Klaton Moore also picked up a loose fumble and returned it for a Hedley touchdown.

The Owls ought to be proud of their effort and ability to fight through their first game mistakes. Even though they gave the ball away too often, they made a close game out of what should have been a rout. They pretty much controlled both sides of the line of scrimmage and dominated from time to time.

Hedley’s first home game is this Friday, September 6. Kick-off against Lefors at 7:30 p.m. If you want to watch a good, fast paced six-man football game, be there. According to those in the know, these guys are fun to watch.