After missing a field goal to take the lead late in the fourth quarter, Harlem High School’s sophomore kicker Connor Anderson made a 29-yard field goal to help the Bulldogs defeat the Academy of
Richmond County 17-14 in overtime on Friday, Sept. 26.
“I was excited for him and it’s his first time kicking for varsity, and he is learning and works hard to get better every day,” said Harlem Coach Football Coach Mark Boiter. “He had a chance a long field goal in the fourth quarter and slipped a little bit on the wet field, but it is just a beautiful thing he made the kick to win the football game. Happy for him and our team.”
It was a wet and rainy night at ARC as both teams struggled to hang on to and move the football.
Despite the conditions, Harlem was able to score on their first drive of the game with a 41-yard rushing touchdown by running back Malik Tyler.
ARC running back Mykheal Smith answered with a rushing touchdown of his own after a long drive by the Musketeers to tie the game 7-7 with 2:47 remaining in the first quarter.
Late in the second quarter, the Bulldogs took a 14-7 lead as Tyler scored his second touchdown of the game.
The Musketeers answered one more time as Lo’than McBride caught his first touchdown of the night from quarterback Carson Hand, tying the game 14-14 at the half.
The rain continued to be steady in the second half. ARC was able to gain possession of the opening second half kick off after a fumble by Harlem.
Both teams failed to take advantage as they were in scoring position a few times in the fourth quarter due to turnovers.
The defenses were able to allow no points in the second half as Harlem had a chance to take the lead late with a long field goal, but the wet field halted the opportunity. Richmond Academy had a chance to take the lead after a pass interference call in overtime as well, but the kick came up a few yards short.
Harlem failed to get in the endzone in overtime, but Anderson made the overtime field goal on the following possession to earn Harlem a 17-14 win.
“We knew it was going to be close and a battle. ARC has a very physical team, and we tried to match that,” Boiter said. “The field conditions were difficult for both teams and I just told our guys whoever makes the fewest makes in the second half will win.”
ARC will travel next week to play at Baldwin, Friday, Oct. 3. Harlem returns home to play Hephzibah also next Friday.
Sportswriter Christopher Rickerson is an Augusta University graduate who has covered area sports for publications including Augusta University‘s Bell Ringer, The Augusta Press and Augusta Good News. Subscribe to the Augusta Good News’ free weekly newsletter here.
