Highland rallied from a halftime deficit and pulled away in the second half Saturday, defeating O’Neill 31-15 in the Huskies’ homecoming game.

O’Neill took an early 3-0 lead after recovering a Highland fumble at the Huskies’ 6-yard line and settling for a field goal with 8:21 left in the first quarter.

Highland answered 52 seconds later when quarterback Maison Bragg scored on a keeper. Aiden Ryan’s extra point put the Huskies ahead 7-3.

Highland extended its lead to 13-3 midway through the second quarter when AJ Krusen scored on a 26-yard reverse with 9:04 remaining. The extra point was blocked.

The Raiders responded with an 82-yard touchdown pass from Ames Janetta with 6:59 left in the half, cutting the deficit to 13-9. O’Neill then took the lead with 13 seconds remaining when Robert Murphy scored on a short touchdown run. The two-point conversion failed, and the Raiders led 15-13 at halftime.

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

The Huskies’ defense came up with a key stop late in the quarter, with Nugent recording a sack on fourth down. Nugent then broke a 35-yard run on Highland’s ensuing possession.

Highland missed a field-goal attempt early in the fourth quarter, but the defense responded when Christian Christie intercepted a pass and returned it to the O’Neill 30. The Huskies drove to the 1-yard line before a 15-yard unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty pushed them back.

Highland attempted another field goal, but the initial kick sailed wide. O’Neill was penalized for running into the kicker, however, giving the Huskies another opportunity. Ryan converted the second attempt to extend Highland’s lead to 24-15 with 5:11 remaining.

O’Neill turned the ball over on downs on its next possession, and Highland took advantage. With 3:37 remaining, the Raiders’ quarterback fumbled, and Nugent scooped up the loose ball and returned it for a touchdown. Valentino’s extra point made it 31-15.

The Raiders turned the ball over on downs again on their final possession, and Bragg took three knees to seal the victory.
Nugent finished with two touchdowns, including the decisive fumble return, while also contributing several key runs and a sack. Bragg had a rushing touchdown and the successful two-point conversion pass to Coates. Krusen scored on the 26-yard reverse, and Christie had the interception.

Highland improved to 6-2 overall and 2-0 in league play. The Huskies visit Spackenkill next Friday at 6 p.m.

O’Neill fell to 5-3 overall and 3-1 in league play. The Raiders host Chester-Seward Friday at 6 p.m.