On preps: Dominating second half propels Brandon Valley to win over Harrisburg

Brian Haenchen
Argus Leader

HARRISBURG — After establishing the run and using it to grind down Harrisburg's defense, Brandon Valley coach Chad Garrow decided to cut his offense loose in the second half. 

The result?

A 28-point flood that swung a 21-19 halftime deficit into a 47-21 rout of Harrisburg. Three of the team's four second-half touchdowns were passes from quarterback Thomas Scholten -- the first to Peyton Carroll and the next two to Jackson Hilton. 

Here are some observations from the game

SECOND-HALF RESURGENCE

Brandon Valley appeared destined for a dogfight.

After taking the lead midway through the second quarter with back-to-back touchdowns, the second of which was a 50-yard pick-6 by Hilton, the Lynx committed two personal fouls (roughing the passer and a face mask) on the ensuing drive. Those infractions moved the Tigers off life support and allowed the home team to pull ahead just before half with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Jhei Roewart.

Brandon Valley's Cole Sylliaasen celebrates his touchdown with a lift from teammate Zach Bennett during the Class 11AAA matchup against Harrisburg on Friday night.

But then the third quarter happened. 

After forcing a quick three-and-out, the Lynx wasted little time marching down field with Scholten capping the drive with a touchdown pass to Carroll to pull ahead.

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While the Lynx soared, the Tigers sputtered, struggling to find any semblance of positive momentum. The closest they came to mounting a comeback was late in the third quarter when a circus catch by Jack Rabern along the sideline pushed them inside enemy territory, but the drive quickly lost steam, ending with a turnover on downs.

HILTON'S BIG NIGHT

Brandon Valley has something special in Jackson Hilton. 

In addition to his pick-6 in the first half, he had a key reception to set up the team's second go-ahead score, before his two aforementioned touchdown receptions. 

Garrow said Hilton was unable to play last week due to a concussion, then had his wisdom teeth removed on Monday. But he looked no worse for the wear Friday night, finding seams in the Harrisburg defense and cashing in for big plays. 

RUN THEN PASS

Brandon Valley's success through the air was due in large part to the team establishing the run in the first half. Not only was it wearing down the Tigers' defense, it was also forcing them to commit more players to the run, setting up the play action and passing attack. 

Though Garrow made it a point to limit Johnson's carries after running him over 40 times last week, the tailback was still very effective against Harrisburg.

He also contributed on special teams, returning a kickoff 91 yards to set up the team's second touchdown of the game. 

A HISTORIC WIN FOR GARROW

Friday's triumph was Garrow's 119th career victory, making him the all-time winningest coach in program history.

Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen.