Andrean's Schmidt a hit against Highland

HIGHLAND | The panic button was within reach, but Richard Schmidt never even thought about it.

Instead, he hit the let's-step-it-up button Friday night.

"Before the game, you just had that feeling we were flat," said Andrean's standout quarterback, who passed for two second-half touchdowns to lead the Times No. 6 59ers to a 28-0 victory over host Highland in Northwest Crossroads Conference play.

"I knew we were flat, but you have to realize the big picture," Schmidt continued. "It's a long game and you have to make adjustments, you have to calm down, you have to catch your breath. We played two football games tonight. We lost the first one, but won the second one."

Actually, Andrean led 7-0 at the half, but it only seemed like a deficit in the way the two teams came out. The 59ers (4-2, 2-1) were sluggish, while Highland's defense did everything it could to keep the game close, despite only 26 yards of total offense and one first down at the break.

"We never panic," Schmidt said. "I don't know anybody who has the passing and running attack we do."

Thanks to 221 yards on 10-of-14 passing from Schmidt and 107 yards rushing from Robert Saltanovitz, the 59ers were able to hold off the upset and beat the Trojans (1-5, 0-3) for the 10th straight time. Worse, Highland was shutout for the third straight time in the series and has been blanked five out of the last six meetings.

"Give Highland credit. You watch them on film and they're playing great defense, they just haven't gotten it together on offense," Andrean coach Phil Mason said. "Our kids just played a heck of a second half -- really a great third quarter."

Schmidt hooked up with Mike Skinner on a 71-yard TD pass and added another 12-yarder to P.J. Mason. Highland managed only five first downs and 38 yards rushing.

"Our defense has played well all year; we've just got to get the offense going," Highland coach Ken Bye said. "You saw a glimpse tonight -- but it has to be more than just a glimpse."

PREP FOOTBALL

No. 6 Andrean 28, Highland 0

Richard Schmidt threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns for the 59ers.