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The game that would never end-Illini wins overtime thriller!
On November 21st the Michigan Wolverines and Illinois Illini played one of the longest and most exciting games in recent HHEFL memory. In the end it was the Illini who was able to overcome in overtime for the win...to the highlights we go, as reported by Matthew Culp...
First Quarter
Illinois got things rolling in a hurry. Following a touch back on the opening kickoff...Illinois needed just one play to score. #31, Antoineo Harris, broke a beautiful sweep to the left and went 80 yards on the first offensive play for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Illini with 14:45 to play in the first. But the excitement was just starting! Michigan came right back with a big run, as #20 Hart broke a 78 yard touchdown run on the Wolverines second play from scrimmage...but the extra point was blocked to make it 7-6. The remander of the first quarter was a long drive by Illinois, as the Illini converted 3 first downs to get the ball to the Michigan 38.
Second Quarter
What became one of the key plays of the first half, was one of my fondest moments. The Illini finally got stopped and faced a 4th and 5 at the Michigan 33 yard line. Illinois deceided to go for it and got sacked for a 15 yard loss...jublilation on the Michigan sideline...but wait a minute...there is a flag on the play...Michigan had 12 men on the field...5 yard penalty and a first down for Illinois! The funny thing was that we had a "Kid timeout" before the play and I had a hard time containing myself, because I knew what was coming for Michigan. That play was key because two plays later Quarterback Kurt Kittner hit #24 Carey Davis for a 33 yard touchdown pass (extra point no good) and it was Illinois 13-6 with 4:42 to go in the half. Michigan wasted no time in answering. On Michigan's next possession it took just two plays to tie the game...again it was Michigan's "Hart" #20 who again broke a long run...this time 80 yards for a touchdown...the extra point was good and we were tied at 13 with 2:55 to go in the game. On Illinois next possession the Wolverine defense would force them to punt from there own 22 following a three and out. Michigan responded quickly! They started at their own 40 and after a couple of plays the got the ball to the Illinois 45...then with just :08 left in the half #20 Hart did it again...a 45 yard touchdown run (extra point was blocked) and Michigan had the lead going into halftime...19-13
Third Quarter
The Wolverines got the ball to start the second half and Hart picked up where he left off. On the drives second play he broke a 61 yard run down to the Illinois 19, then punched it in on the next play with a 19 yard touchdown run to make it 26-13 Michigan. At this point the Illinois head coach became a little frustrated with his defense, but came out firing on their next drive. That drive would end in a 8 play 65 yard drive for a touchdown with #6 Brandon Lloyd punching it in on a one yard plunge over the top...the extra point was good and it was 26-20 Michigan with 1:35 to go in the third.
Fourth Quarter
The end of the third and begining of the fourth quarter was an unusual long Wolverine drive for little yardage. The Illini finally was able to stop Hart. The Wolverines were faced with a 4th and 10 from their own 35 and with a poor kicker, they deceided not to punt and to go for it...the Illini held and tookover possession at the Michigan 33. Five plays later the Illini tied the game up when Kittner hit #24 Carey Davis for a 25 yard touchdown strike...we had another blocked extra point and the game was tied at 26. It only got worse for Michigan, as their next possession they again got stopped...this time they punted...only to have #6 Brandon Lloyd return the ball 53 yards to the Michigan 23. On the very next play Kittner hit #17 Greg Lewis for a 23 yard touchdown pass. The two point conversion attempt was no good...and just like that the Illini went from being down 26-20 to being up 32-26 with just 1:54 to go in the game....but Michigan responded in a big way! With time running out Michigan got a big 30 yard run by Hart. That lead to a 47 yard touchdown run by Hart with 1:06 to play and the Michigan sideline was going nuts...and yes...you guessed it...the extra point was no good...we were tied at 32. All the momentum was in the hands of Michigan and that momentum quickly turned to a disaster for Illinois. The Illini got a 12 yard kickoff return. There first pass was incomplete and then disaster! With :14 seconds left Kittner rolled to his left looking downfield for a big play...he threw in the direction of Greg Lewis #17 when Linebacker #6 for Michigan stepped in front of the pass and intercepted it...Kittner had a chance to make the tackle, but over ran the Wolverine and he rumbled 32 yard for a touchdown...it was pandamona on the Michigan sidelines...this time the extra point was good and it was 39-32 Michigan with just :10 left in the game...it was over right...that is why we play the full 60 minutes! Just needing a stop for a Michigan win...the Illini needed a miracle...and they got one! It was a deep kickoff to #31 Antoineo Harris and the guy who scored the first touchdown...scored the last...as he could...go...all...the...way...yes it was a 100 yard kickoff return...a thing of beauty, as at least five Wolverines had a clear shot at him, but could not make the play. The ever important extra point now would deceide overtime or a Michigan victory...this time it was good and after 3 hours and 45 minutes of play...we were off to overtime...
Overtime
The Wolverines got the ball first, as we played your standard college overtime runs. At this point is where the ref left for home, as it was 12:30 my time...but the game went on. As you might of guessed...Hart broke a 20 yard touchdown run on the third play in overtime...but the big story was...the extra point was blocked. Michigan now up 45-39 needed a stop that did not come. The Illini scored on the third play of there possesion and made the extra point to capture the 46-45 thrilling win. This game became the highest scoring game in HHEFL history and definately one for the ages!
Stats for this game and game highlights for all games will be available soon...Long Live Football!
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