Hill School earns first win of the season; downs Mercersburg Academy, 60-29

POTTSTOWN >> His season has gone anything but to plan.

After being highly sought after following his senior season at Hollyville Heritage High School in Dallas, Texas, quarterback Clayton Oliver has always been about winning.

“I came here with a lot of expectations,” said Oliver, a fifth year senior at The Hill School. “Winning games is all that matters down there (in Texas). So I wanted to bring that mentality here with me.”

After beginning the season sidelined with a broken hand suffered in a scrimmage, the quarterback watched as his team dropped its first six games while sinking to 0-2 in the MAPL.

But on Saturday afternoon in his second start of the season, Oliver delivered the Rams to their first win, pounding Mercersburg Academy, 60-29.

With their first win, the Rams move to 1-2 in the MAPL and 1-6 overall. The loss drops Mercersburg Academy to 0-7 overall (0-3 MAPL).

Oliver totaled for five touchdowns – four on the ground, one through the air – to lead the charge.

“It’s a great feeling to come out and finally get our first win,” he said. “Our offense got it going early on and we never quit. That’s been our biggest thing. Not just getting into rhythm, but keeping it going.”

The rhythm turned more into an orchestra, as Oliver racked up 136 yards and four touchdowns on 14 rushes. He also totaled 81 yards through the air including a touchdown upon completing seven of his 11 attempts.

Running back Trey Humes also proved key on the afternoon, as he rushed for 111 hard-nosed yards on 15 carries and scored twice.

“Our guys were creating a lot of good running lanes up front, so I was just looking to hit the holes hard,” said Humes. “I think all of us were ready to win this. We know what we’re capable of as a team. We’re just starting to put it all together.”

The Rams finally played consistent both on offense and defense, something Rams’ head coach Dave Rackovan has been waiting for all season.

“We moved the ball well and didn’t turn it over the way we have the past couple of games,” said Rackovan. “These guys have been on the brink of playing well all season, and I think today they proved that they are a good team.”

Defensively, The Hill racked up five sacks on the afternoon, including two from Jeremy Subjinski and one apiece from Jay Carter, Griffin Lehman and Brett Weekley.

Carter also had an interception while AJ Bates returned a punt 35 yards for a touchdown.

Mercersburg ran the ball just nine times, a decision head coach Dan Walker says came as a result of The Hill’s size up front.

“Looking at the film, we thought the screen game and moving the ball through the air would be most effective against their defense,” said Walker. “Our offensive line has been banged up, so we’ve had some young guys filling in.”

Quarterback Mason Kholi threw for 261 yards and three touchdowns, completing 18 of his 37 attempts. Colin Adams threw for 59 yards, completing three of eight passes including a touchdown.

Wideout Jake Rist hauled in 11 receptions for a game-high 210 yards and three touchdowns.

“All the credit goes to The Hill,” said Walker. “They’re the best 0-for team that I’ve seen, that’s for sure. They’ve got some really good weapons — they can spread the field or pound the ball up the middle — and that makes them dangerous.”

Oliver and his teammates hope the win will get the Rams’ attitude up in the locker room and help push them into next week’s rivalry game with Lawrenceville.

“Hopefully we can build on this,” he said. “We got the first one out of the way, now it’s time to go out and put up another (win). I know we’ll want to carry this feeling into next week.”

NOTES >> Wide receiver Richie Tabarrini caught a three-yard touchdown pass from Oliver. … Alex Degrange had a four-yard touchdown reception for Mercersburg. Tom Cremins had a sack.