Missed Kick Gives Win to Eisenhower

Newhall Hart High’s fourth-quarter comeback against second-ranked Rialto Eisenhower fell short when kicker Matt Kohl missed an extra-point attempt late in the fourth quarter and the Eagles won, 15-14, at College of the Canyons before 2,000 Friday night.

The Eagles (5-0) completed a nonleague schedule in which they defeated four ranked teams in five weeks. Fourth-ranked Hart dropped to 4-1.

Hart quarterback Mike Kocicka capped a 74-yard drive by scoring on a two-yard run that made the score 15-14 with 2:50 remaining. Hart Coach Mike Herrington decided to try to kick the extra point.

“We thought about going for two,” he said. “But we (kicked because we) figured with 2:50 left in the game, Eisenhower was going to have to throw the ball to try and score. We didn’t think they could march down the field throwing the ball.”

Said Dean Herrington, Hart’s offensive coordinator: “They’ve got to try and score because they’re going for the national championship.”

But Hart’s strategy became moot when a low snap resulted in Kohl’s kick sailing left and low.

“It’s odd that it came down to a PAT,” Eagle Coach Tom Hoak said. “They really did a great job of stopping us.’

The one Eagle player that Hart could not stop was quarterback Glenn Thompkins, who rushed for 86 yards in 17 carries. Thompkins, a 5-foot-10, 165-pound senior, scored in the third quarter on a nine-yard run that proved to be the winner.

“He did a great job,” Hoak said. “I don’t care what you say about him, he’s the most valuable player in the state. When it’s right down to it, he’ll find a way to win the game.”

Hart’s quarterback Kocicka also was outstanding. The 6-foot-4 senior completed 14 of 20 passes for 231 yards and a touchdown. Soren Halladay caught seven passes for 141 yards and one touchdown.