Hearts Hold On for Thrilling One-Point Win at Jerseyville

(HEARTS QUARTERBACK LUCAS VASQUEZ CUTS LOOSE A PASS DURING FRIDAY'S GAME AT JERSEYVILLE...thanks to Gary Stanfield of Riviera Records and Video)

In a game that featured 10 touchdowns, who would've thought a blocked extra point try would be the deciding factor?

That was the story, as Jordan McCabe's knockaway of an extra point attempt enabled the Effingham Hearts to hold on for a thrilling 35-34 win over the Jersey Panthers at Jerseyville Friday night. The game was heard on 979XFM and www.979xfm.com.  

Much of the offense involved the two teams taking turns scoring.

The Hearts scored on a seven-play, 75-yard drive capped by a 25-yard touchdown pass from Landon Wolfe to Jacob Miller. Danny Hortenstine's extra-point kick made it 7-0 Effingham with 2:34 left in the opening period.

Jersey came right back to score on a six-play, 70-yard drive ended by a two-yard touchdown run by Bradon Baalman. The extra point tied the game at 7-7 with 53 seconds left in the first period.

(HEARTS' COACH BRETT HEFNER ADDRESSES HIS TEAM FOLLOWING A THRILLING 35-34 WIN AT JERSEYVILLE FRIDAY...photo by C.J. Schmidt)

The Hearts scored to regain the lead with 6:27 left in the second quarter on a five-play, 37-yard drive highlighted by Lucas Vasquez's 31-yard touchdown pass to Gabe Herron. Hortenstine's extra point kick put the Hearts in front 14-7.

Less than one minute later, though, Jerseyville scored on a 32-yard touchdown pass from Drew Sauerwein to Blake Wittman to tie the game at 14-14 with 5:39 left before the half.

Effingham pulled off one more score five seconds before the half to complete a nine-play, 72-yard drive culminating with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Jacob Vasquez to Jacob Miller to put the Hearts up 21-14 at halftime.

Effingham scored again with 10:03 remaining in the third period to conclude a four-play, 64-yard drive on a three-yard touchdown run by Landon Wolfe. Hortenstine's kick put the Hearts up 28-14.

(EFFINGHAM'S JACOB MILLER HAULS IN ONE OF TWO TOUCHDOWN CATCHES OVER TWO PANTHER DEFENDERS DURING FRIDAY'S WIN AT JERSEYVILLE...photo by CJ Schmidt))

Jersey wasn't done, though, scoring on a 26-yard run by Brandon Baalman and on a 17-yard touchdown pass to Blake Wittman to tie the game at 28-28 with 3:56 left in the third quarter.

Effingham, then, went 81 yards on five plays capped by a 61-yard touchdown run by Terrence Hill to regain the lead 35-28 with 1:45 left in the period. The teams scored four touchdowns in the third quarter.

Neither team scored in the fourth quarter until Jersey completed a four-play, 69-yard drive with a 37-yard touchdown pass to Logan Metzler with 7:19 remaining in the game. That's when McCabe's blocked extra point saved the day for the Hearts.

Effingham racked up 506 total yards, 271 through the air, 235 on the ground. Jersey was held to 338 total yards.

Effingham registered 22 first downs, the same number as Jersey. The Hearts ran the ball 51 times and passed the ball 18 times.

Effingham had a big edge on time of possession; 27:42 to 20:18.

Individually, Terrence Hill led the way rushing for Effingham, gaining 214 yards on 41 carries including the long touchdown run. Also rushing: Lucas Vasquez--five for one yard; Landon Wolfe--one for three yards including a three-yard touchdown run; Paul Smith--two for one yard...Alec Morrissey--one for minus five; and Harrison Smith--one for 21 yards.

Both Hearts' quarterbacks fared well Friday night. Landon Wolfe hit on four of six pass attempts for 121 yards and a touchdown, while Lucas Vasquez connected on six of 12 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns. 

As far as receptions: Logan Smith--two for 56 yards; Jacob Miller--two for 53 yards and two touchdowns; Harrison Smith--three for 67 yards; Gabe Herron--two for 71 yards and one touchdown; and Jordan McCabe--one for 24 yards.

For Jersey, Drew Sauerwein rushed 19 times for 86 yards, Brandon Baalman carried 10 times for 48 yards with two touchdowns; Kurt Hall carried five times for 25 yards; and Logan Metzler had a 12-yard carry.

Sauerwein completed eight of 25 passes for 167 yards and three touchdowns. Blake Wittman caught five passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns, while Logan Metzler had three catches for 53 yards and a touchdown.

Also for Effingham: Logan Smith punted twice for 77 yards; Danny Hortenstine had six kickoffs for 266 yards; and Jordan McCabe had four kickoff returns for 51 yards, while Parker Seachrist and Jacob Miller each a return for no yards.

Effingham with the win is now 1-1 on the season and ready for their home opener next Friday night against the Highland Bulldogs. Game time is 7pm. Hear the game on 979XFM and www.979XFM.com. Jerseyville falls to 1-1 on the season.