Go ahead ---- throw out the less-than-desirable records when Hillsboro and McClain get together for the annual Rotary Bowl. This year's edition, held at McClain Field, was no exception.
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The Indians, coming in with five straight losses, were able to outlast the Tigers 22-12 and notch their first win in FAC play.
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Justin Spears got Hillsboro on the board first with a 19 yard run in the first period. Brock Haines added the extra point. Later, in the same stanza, the Tigers answered with a 13 yard burst by Matt Bliss. However, the extra point was blocked --- HHS 7 McClain 6. That was the score at the intermission because both defenses stiffened for the remainder of the half.
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The Indians finally broke through midway in the third quarter when Logan Hester (filling in for the injured Mark Gallimore)- broke into paydirt from 10 yards out. Then, on a surprising 2 point conversion attempt, Spears hit Travis Ross with pinpoint accuracy to extend the lead to 15-6. The Indians, hungry for a conference and season-ending win, played ball control in the final quarter and got a second touchdown run from Hester (from 7 yards out) to virtually seal the win. Haines added the extra point to give HHS an insurmountable lead at 22-6.
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In the waning moments McClain got a touchdown reception to end the scoring and give the Indians the satisfying win over their Highland County rival.
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Hillsboro ends 2019 with a mark of (4-6) overall and (1-4) in the conference. After the game, Coach O'Rourke lauded his team for stepping up and filling in when injuries began to take their toll. He also emphasized that the Indians never gave up.