Effingham Edges Mattoon in Freshman Football Play

Effingham High School's freshman football team edged Mattoon 38-32 Thursday evening.

The Hearts scored two touchdowns in the first quarter as Tucker Denton tallied on a 12-yard reception and Alex Howell on an 18 yard run. EHS scored two more in the second quarter to lead 26-6 at halftime. Drew Vasquez scored on an eight yard run and Howell scored his second touchdown on a four yard run.

Mattoon came back with two scores in the third quarter to pull within 26-20. The Green Wave tallied two more touchdowns in the final period but the Hearts also scored two more to pull out the win. Alex Ramos had a whopping 70 yard run while Howell tallied his third touchdown on a two yard plunge.

Vasquez finished with 19 carries for a team-leading 210 yards. Howell finished with nine carries for 95 yards. Joseph Nieman connected on four of 11 passes for 88 yards.

Vasquez led the Hearts defensively with five solo tackles and three assists. Nieman had three solo tackles and an assist. Denton had three solos.

At Effingham

Passing -- Nieman, 4 of 11 for 88 yards

Rushing -- Vasquez, 19 carries for 210 yards; Howell, 12 for 95; Nieman, 9 for 43; Kahley, 2 for 5; Ramos, 4 for 37

Pass Receiving -- Denton, 2 for 48; Vasquez, 1 for 37; White, 1 for 3

Tackles

D. Vasquez, 5 solos, 3 assists; Nieman, 3 solos, 1 assist; Mesnard, 1 solo, 1 interception; Kahley, 1 solo, 2 assists;  Koester, 1 assist; Howell, 1 solo, 2 assist; Ramos, 2 solos, 1 assist; Piggush, 1 assist; Martin, 2 solos, 1 assist, 1 fumble recovery; Kronewitter, 1 solo, 2 assists; Velasquez, 1 solo; White, 1 solo, 3 assists; Denton, 3 solos