Sophomore Football: Harrisburg survies second half scare by Herrin

The Harrisburg High School sophomore football team improved to 5-3 on the year after a 15-14 win over Herrin in recent game action.

The Bulldogs' winning touchdown was set up with a double pass from Austin Hefner to Jordan Gould to Mitch Crank, which gave Harrisburg the ball at Herrin's 5-yard line. With 2:52 to play, Matt Upchurch scored from five yards out to make it a 15-14 ballgame after Harrisburg's extra point attempt was blocked.

Herrin's last opportunity to score was halted by Austin Hefner's interception, which allowed Harrisburg to take a knee and run out the clock.

Harrisburg got on the board in the first quarter after Jordan Bartok came up with a sack in the endzone for a safety.

In the second quarter, Hefner hooked up with Brian Owens for a 15-yard touchdown score to make it a 9-0 game.

Herrin scored in the third quarter, completing the two-point conversion to get to within one at 9-8 and with 4:40 to go in the fourth quarter, Herrin scored again to take a 14-9 lead.

"We had three missed opportunities to come away with scores in the first half which almost came back to haunt us," HHS head coach Kyle McGowan said. "The stop on Herrin's two-point conversion in the fourth quarter was huge. I have to give our kids credit for not quitting when it seemed like our backs were up against the wall. Our kids found a way to win and it was a great win four this group."

Harrisburg will conclude the season Saturday when they travel to Carbondale for a 10 a.m. kickoff.