Rochester Adams shut down Stoney Creek’s offense all night long. The Highlanders overpowered the Cougars resulting in a 24-7 homecoming victory.

There was not an open seat to be found for the crosstown game between these two teams. With playoff football right around the corner, Adams needed a win to secure a spot in the postseason.

Both teams started the game with less than impressive drives that resulted in punts. Senior Quarterback Kyle Wood used his four years of varsity experience to lead a game changing drive late in the first quarter ending with a long touchdown run from junior Chase Kareta. The PAT by sure footed kicker John Kmiec put the Highlanders up 7-0.

Another wobbling punt by Stoney Creek gave the Highlanders fewer than 50 yards for another score. Multiple five-yard runs from Wood and Brucia got the ball within the 5 yard line. Another successful option from Wood added another touchdown for Adams midway through the second quarter. Kmiec once again kicked the ball through the uprights for a 14-0 lead.

The Highlander defense, stout and strong, stalled drives the whole game which made it easy for the offense to go to work.

The Cougar’s punter surely can say he has had better days than Friday night. A less than impressive punt set up a chance for a long field goal to end the half. Sure enough, the automatic Kmiec sent a 35 yarder high into the night sky for three points. The Highlanders led 17-0 at halftime.

Kyle Wood tallied close to 100 yards on the ground, controlling the tempo in the dominant first half. Wood’s passing game was quite impressive as well, sharing the wealth with multiple receivers.

“I try to get as many people involved as I can,” said star Kyle Wood. “Being the quarterback gives me a lot of freedom to give the ball to as many people as I can, which makes football so much more enjoyable.”

The second half was a much slower game, as the Cougar defense began to key on the option read every snap. Finding no early success, Head Coach Tony Patritto dialed up a play that put the game out of reach. A 42- yard touchdown pass from wide receiver Vincent Gray to fellow receiver Mark Patritto was the nail in the coffin for the Highlanders. The Cougars lost last year’s season opener on the same exact play – bad memories for the entire Stoney Creek sideline.

The Cougars eventually pushed in a late touchdown to make the score look closer, but the Highlanders were dominant all night. Stoney recovered the onside kick down 24-6, but ran out of clock and had no more time to score.

Stoney Creek falls to 1-7 and has one more game against city rival Rochester. The Highlanders clinched a playoff spot with this win for the first time since 2013, and finish out their season with a great matchup against the Clarkston Wolves. Adams will look to finish the season with seven wins, something that is a rarity in high school football.