Heartland Football Loses Close Game in Season Opener [STATS] [PHOTO]

Despite a great effort, the Heartland Huskies dropped their first game of the season against the Shelby Huskies Friday night at Shelby.

Heartland had a salty first half.  Tyler Brown scored the first touchdown of the game with a 12 yard run with 7:52 left in the 1st quarter to put Heartland up 6-0.  The first half would go back and forth and was tied 14-14 with 3:02 left in the 2nd quarter.  Shelby would take advantage of a long pass and a penalty on Heartland to, then, throw a 10 yard pass with no time remaining in the half to take a 14-22 lead and put Shelby on top to head into the third quarter.

Then, the second half, Heartland came back fighting.  Quarterback, Jordan Heinrichs, would run in a 23 yard touchdown to cut the Shelby lead to two, 20-22.  Heartland would strike again as Tyler Brown scored another touchdown this time with a 43 yard run to give Heartland a 28-22 lead with 7:56 remaining in the 3rd quarter.  Shelby came back with a drive of their own and C. Speelman ran it in for a 3 yard touchdown to tie it up at 28-28.

Heading in to the 4th quarter, Shelby struck again as C. Speelman ran it in for a 50 yard touchdown, making the score 28-34.  However, Heartland wouldn’t go away. Senior, Lincoln Ruybalid and the Heartland Huskies would march down the field and take the lead with a 3 yard touchdown run, 36-34.  A late turnover by Heartland proved to be the last straw and Shelby capitalized by taking a 36-42 lead with 3:54 remaining in the 4th quarter.

Heartland was hurt by Sophomore, Tyler Brown exiting the game early in the fourth quarter due to a concussion. He finished with a team high 8 carries 166 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns.

The Huskies took the loss, but show promise for the year.  They will fight back this Friday, September 7th at 7:00 p.m. against Johnson-Brock at home.

If you can’t make it to the game be sure to watch the game LIVE stream right here on HeartlandBeat.com.

Heartland vs Shelby August 31, 2012 Stats

                        1st      2nd     3rd     4th     Final
Heartland     14        0          14         8            36
Shelby            8        14          6          14           42

Offense:
Heartland – Rushing 362 – Passing 22

Rushing:
J. Heinrichs 19 carries, 105 yards
Tyler Brown 8 carries, 166 yards

Passing:
J. Heinrichs 1-5, 22 yards, 1 interception

Receiving:
C. Nickels 1 reception for 22 yards

Defense:
Heartland Leading Tacklers – J. Heinrichs 25, T. Spickelmeier 11, B. Regier 8

Shelby –  Rushing 221 – Passing 105

Rushing:
N. Boruch 18 carries, 74 yards
C. Speelman 24 carries, 173 yards

Passing:
N. Schindel 6-11, 105 yards, 1 interception