With Highland Home clinging to a chance of making the Class 2A state playoffs, Coach Bob Farrior and his Flying Squadron troops decided to scrap the pass-happy spread offense and switch to a more pound it up the middle ground attack last Friday night.

The decision paid off with a 28-8 Region 3 road victory over the Horseshoe Bend Generals.

The beneficiary in the newfound running game was senior tailback O.D. Bryant who ran for 167 yards on 16 carries and scored two touchdowns to lead the Squadron's offense, which amassed 325 total yards on 33 carries.

Highland Home (2-5, 2-3) wasted little time in taking control of the game as they marched 70 yards in five plays to take an early lead with Bryant covering the final 26 yards on a toss sweep play. Senior backup place kicker Clemmie Nichols' point after kick was true giving HHHS a 7-0 lead.

After the Flyboys' defensive unit forced a General punt, their offensive unit hit the field running and drove 82 yards in 10 plays to notch their second score of the night. Freshman running back Rico Harris zig-zagged his way into the end zone from 23 yards out to cap off the drive. Once again, Nichols' PAT was good as the Flying Squadron had built a two-touchdown lead over the General, 14-0 midway through the first quarter.

Sophomore Jessie Webb closed out the scoring the first half for HHHS with 30 seconds remaining on the clock as he blasted in from the two-yard-line. Nichols was true on his third straight PAT to give the visitors a 21-0 lead at halftime.

The Generals offensive unit methodically drove 70 yards in 16 plays and took 7:05 off the game clock for their first and only score of the game to start the second half. Horseshoe Bend's two-point conversion attempt was successful as they cut into the Squadron's lead, 21-8.

The Flyboys answered right back to cap off the scoring for the night going 48 yards in four plays as Bryant got his second tally of the game on an eight-yard run. Nichols ended the night perfect as he booted his fourth PAT through the uprights to give HHHS a 28-8 lead.

The meeting between the two teams was the second in school history. The Flying Squadron holds a 2-0 edge over the Generals.

The victory still gives the Squadron some hope of making the playoffs as they stand 2-3 in region play. They still have to take on region opponent G.W. Long on the road this week and B.B. Comer at home the following week.

Besides Bryant, Harris also had a good night at tailback with 37 yards and one touchdown on four carries.

Safety Derrick Dulaney led Highland Home's defense with 10 tackles followed by linebacker Chase Reese with seven tackles and two assists and Nichols with five tackles and two assists.

The Flying Squadrons' regional road contest against G.W. Long is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday night.