Highland Park 46, Maine East 16
THE SKINNY
Highland Park (6-1, 3-0 CSL North) only needed its starters for one half as the Giants used a 32-point second quarter to dispatch Maine East (2-5, 0-3) in a CSL contest. With the win, Highland Park clinched a playoff berth.
TURNING POINT
With three minutes left in the first quarter, Highland Park punted. On the very next play from scrimmage, Highland Park senior Jared Korn stripped Maine East senior Javed Lukovic and returned the ball 35 yards for a touchdown to make it 14-0. Highland Park shut out Maine East until backups played in the second half.
THE STAR
Highland Park senior quarterback Tommy Sutker was great in his half of play. Sutker tallied 198 passing yards as he completed 6-of-7 attempts. His night was highlighted by a perfect pass to junior Jack McGuire in the back of the end zone for a 26-yard touchdown.
BY THE NUMBERS
Maine East committed seven turnovers on the night: four fumbles, two turnovers on downs and an interception. Highland Park made Maine East pay with 26 points off turnovers. Three different Highland Park players rushed for touchdowns. Senior Kelshawn Shields tallied two while senior Jarae Ward and Korn each added one.
QUOTABLE
“Before the game, I went up to all the receivers individually. I said, ‘It’s one-on-one beach football, beat your guy and we’ll win.’ And they all did a great job getting open, all I had to do was get them the ball.” — Highland Park senior quarterback Tommy Sutker
