Hamilton County Reporter

Hamilton Southeastern got back on the winning track on Friday, rallying from a third-quarter deficit to beat visiting Zionsville 14-13 at TCU Field.

Neither team scored in the first half, which contrasted sharply with the second half. The Eagles scored two touchdowns in a hurry to go up 13-0 at the midway point of the third period.

The Royals took over after that. John McCall teamed up with Martice Taylor late in the third for an 11-yard pass play. Alex Geroulis then added a point-after
kick.

That same trio struck again in the fourth quarter. With 10:36 remaining, McCall sent a 10-yard pass to Taylor, who made it to the end zone again. The score was tied for a few seconds, then Geroulis nailed the extra-point kick to give Southeastern a 14-13 lead, and the Royals hung on from there.

After that, the defense took over for Southeastern, holding off Zionsville and giving the Royals another Hoosier Crossroads Conference victory.

“Mikah Phillips made some big plays on defense for us,” said HSE coach Michael Kelly.

McCall had a nice game, completing 14 of 21 attempts for 128 yards. Taylor finished with five catches and Blaine Wertz had four; Kelly said a long pass to Wertz helped spark the Royals’ rally.

Jace Alexander led the rushing with 62 yards. Devin Dudley made seven tackles, with Louden Sundling getting 5.5 stops (2.5 for a loss) and Nate Haas making five tackles.

Dudley and Drew Parker both made 1.5 tackles for a loss.

“The kids fought through everything,” said Kelly. “It was a good night.”

Southeastern is 3-1 in HCC play and 4-2 overall. The Royals travel to Noblesville next Friday.