It was a game O’Neill had plenty of chances to win.

The Raiders recovered a fumble on Highland’s 6-yard line on the opening series, but had to settle for a field goal. They took a 15-13 lead into halftime, only to watch Highland regain control in the third quarter.

Then, with the Huskies clinging to a 21-15 lead late in the fourth quarter, O’Neill appeared to catch another break when Highland missed a field goal.

But the Raiders were flagged for running into the kicker.

Highland got another chance — and this time Aiden Ryan made the kick.

Those missed opportunities added up as O’Neill fell to Highland 31-15 Saturday.
Highland took advantage of the early O’Neill stop when quarterback Maison Bragg scored on a keeper with 7:29 left in the first quarter. AJ Krusen then broke loose for a 26-yard touchdown on a reverse with 9:04 left in the second quarter to put the Huskies up 13-3. The extra point was blocked.

O’Neill answered with its biggest play of the afternoon. Ames Janetta hauled in an 82-yard touchdown pass with 6:59 remaining in the half, cutting the deficit to 13-9. The Raiders missed the extra point.

O’Neill finally grabbed the lead just before halftime when Robert Murphy scored on a short touchdown run with 13 seconds remaining. The Raiders tried for two, but the attempt failed, leaving O’Neill with a 15-13 advantage at the break.

Highland regained the lead early in the third quarter. AJ Nugent scored on a short touchdown run with 11 minutes left in the quarter, and Bragg connected with Trevor Coates for the two-point conversion to make it 21-15.

The Raiders had another chance to change the game late in the third quarter, but Highland’s defense came through on fourth down. Nugent recorded a sack to end the O’Neill possession, then broke a 35-yard run on the Huskies’ next drive.

Highland missed a field goal early in the fourth quarter, keeping O’Neill within six points.

The Huskies then got another break when Christian Christie intercepted an O’Neill pass and returned it to the Raiders’ 30-yard line. Highland drove to the O’Neill 1, but a 15-yard unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty backed the Huskies up.

Highland’s next field-goal attempt sailed wide.

Once again, however, O’Neill could not capitalize.

The Raiders were penalized for running into the kicker, giving Highland another chance. Ryan converted the second attempt with 5:11 remaining to make it 24-15.
O’Neill got the ball back but could not sustain the drive, turning the ball over on downs.

Highland then delivered the knockout blow. With 3:37 remaining, O’Neill quarterback AJ Mackey fumbled, and Nugent scooped up the loose ball and returned it for a touchdown. Valentino’s extra point made it 31-15.

The Raiders had one final opportunity, but Highland forced another turnover on downs. Bragg took three knees to run out the clock.
For O’Neill, it was a frustrating afternoon in which several opportunities — from the opening fumble recovery to the missed Highland field goal and the late penalty — slipped away.

The Raiders are now 5-3 overall and 3-1 in league play. They will host Chester-Seward Friday at 6 p.m.