NB: The winning tradition continues for the Highlanders (12 man)

The Bernice Macnaughtan Highlanders kept there winning tradition going as they won there 5th New Brunswick high school Championship in 8th season’s. Quarterback Kyle McConnell scored two touchdowns in the second half to bring the Highlanders to victory.

The Titans led the contest till the 3rd Quarter. The Eastern Conference player of the year Michael Bohen broke free on a punt return in the first quarter to give the Titans a 6-0 lead, the convert was missed wich eventually proved to be very costly later in the contest. The score remained 6-0 as the halftime whistle blew. Bohen once again broke free, scoring on a 68 yard quarterback draw, the convert was added to make the score 13-0 late in the third quarter.

The Highlanders offence failed to come up with points in most of the contest but did when it mattered the most. There defence stepped up keeping Bohen contained and closing down his running lanes. The Highlanders forced 3 fumbles wich turned there game around and led to McConnell’s 2 fourth Quarter touchdowns. The first touchdown was scored after the Highlanders recovered a Tantramar fumble at the 40 yard line. A 33 yard reception by Jeremy Leblanc brought them in the red zone, McConnell made no mistake plunging in the end zone on a 1 yard Quarterback sneak to close the margin to 6 points. On the Titan’s next series , the ball was jarred loose and middle Linebacker Kyle Horseman recovered the ball for the Highlanders. The series was capped off with 2 yard Quarterback sneak for McConnell’s second major of the afternoon. Zachary Thorne added the game winning convert to make the score 14-13 for the Highlanders.

On the Titans next drive , they managed a few first downs but the drive was halted as they turned the ball over on downs.

The Highlanders were doubted coming into the contest by many. They posted a 3-3 regular season record and having lost the first contest between both teams. The Highlanders won the games they needed to win and came together as a team in the playoffs to win the title. Bernice Macnaughtan showed lots if fight in the game trailing until the 4th Quarter , the defence kept fighting and waited for Tantramar to make mistakes.

The loss was heart breaking for the Titans as they enjoyed a great season after 3 hard-fought rebuilding seasons. The program has managed to build a good core of players and should continue there success in the upcoming seasons.The Titans will miss there pivot Michael Bohen , who carried the team for the last 2 season’s. The 12th grade Quarterback showed lots of courage being on the field for most of the game , playing free safety on the other side of the ball and returning kicks.

The Ed Skiffington title game was a great show for New Brunswick high school football fan’s , the sport is growing in the province , and only better years are on the way.