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  A team that goes into a game with a certain confidence or swagger has part of the battle already won.  Highland Springs (5-0, 5-3) seemed to perpetuate that theory going into their game at Capital District opponent Lee-Davis (2-2, 3-5) on Friday night. In doing so, the Springers gained an important 41-14 win off explosive plays and traditional swagger.

  First year Confederates’ head coach, Jason Meade knew the history and tradition of Highland Springs.  After all, he served as a defensive coordinator for the Springers the past three years.  Meade however, stressed without the big plays by the Springers, the Confederates were right there with them. 

  “This is going to sound like a coach’s cliché, but the score of 41-14 does not depict this game,” Meade said. “It was first down , second and ten , and third and ten…and then a big play.”

  Likewise, the Springers showed something that Lee-Davis needs. “We don’t have the swagger right now… the confidence that I know we have,” Meade said.

  The Confederates were down early because of big plays by the Springers.  Running back John Saunders, who finished with six carries for 155 yards, scored on runs of 60 yards and 87 yards to give Highland Springs an early 14-0 lead.  Springers quarterback JaQuan Burchette scored the next touchdown on a 71-yard quarterback keeper.  At that point, the score was 21-0 with still 7:06 to go in the first quarter.  The Springers almost had one more big play but a 68-yard touchdown was called back in the first quarter due to an ineligible receiver.

  The Confederates gained a measure of confidence after making it out of the first quarter.  Wide receiver T. J. Harvey received a lateral from quarterback Phillip Gardner and tossed a pass to Justin Becker that brought them to the Springers’ one-yard line.  The Confederates later scored on third-and-goal when Gardner completed a two-yard touchdown pass to Harvey for a 21- 7 score.
  “We were in a cover three (defensive alignment) and the free safety bit on the fake,” said Highland Springs Head coach Loren Johnson. “We almost stopped them, but they executed and did what they were supposed to do and scored.”

  For most of the third quarter, the Confederates played the Springers to a physical standstill.  The Lee-Davis defense held the Springers to several three-and-outs and even forced a turnover.  Likewise, Confederates’ linebacker David Fetter seemed to be in on every play.  He led a gang tackling effort holding the Springers second half rushing attempts to little or no gains.
  With the Springers on their own 10-yard line with 10 yards to go on third down the Confederates appeared to be ready to get the ball back with great field position.  .  What happened then was something that has plagued Lee Davis all year long.  Highland Springs wide receiver Clarence Hill turned a simple curl pattern into a 90-yard touchdown.  It was another big play at a crucial time which gave the Springers a 28-7 lead with 21 seconds to go in the third period.

  “Everything they had was a big play,” said a frustrated coach Meade. “We had them defensively except for the big plays and that falls on my shoulders.

  “We obliviously have to coach better because we have been hurt by the big play since day one.”

  Down 28-7 in the fourth, Lee-Davis closed the gap to 28-14 with 10:13 left to go in the game.  Gardner hooked up with Harvey for a 19-yard touchdown.  Highland Springs however, scored twice more putting the game out of reach. 

  “That’s a good football team,” Johnson said of the Confederates. “We knew it would be tough, it’s always has been a tough game against Lee-Davis.”

  Meade has a fond feeling for the Springers but insists it is all about Lee-Davis now.

  “I felt good to see those kids,” Meade said. “I miss those kids because we spent a lot of time invested in them. And they are good people.

  “My heart’s at Lee-Davis now,” Meade said. “My feet are firmly placed here and these are the kids we believe in.”

  The Confederates host Hanover this Friday night and a win will keep the playoffs a possibility.

  “You are talking about some of the biggest long shots we have ever seen,” Coach Meade said of the playoff possibilities.

  “Hanover is a big game and rivalry.”

Highland Springs 21 0 7 13 - 41
Lee-Davis 0 7 0 7 – 14
HS—Saunders 60 run (kick failed)
HS—Saunders 87 run (Reynolds pass from Burchette)
HS—Burchette 71 run (Compton kick)
L-D—Harvey 2 pass from Gardner (Castelvecchi kick)
HS—Hill 90 pass from Burchette (Compton kick)
L-D—Harvey 19 pass from Gardner (Castelvecchi kick)
HS—Hill 61 pass from Burchette (Compton kick)
HS—Burchette 1 run (kick failed)