Hazen Makes Second Half Comeback For Non-League Opener Win

Hazen scored 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to upset 2A 10th ranked Franklin Pierce 37-28 Friday night at Renton Stadium.

Mason Jacobs scored the two touchdowns in the first half on 23 and 26 yard runs. Still, Hazen ended the first half down 21-14.

The Highlanders found what they were missing in the second half. Jordan Abdullah put Hazen down by one with a 5 yard touchdown run in the third with 7:54 left in the quarter. Franklin Pierce answered right back with a 65 yard run.

The game was tied in the fourth when Hazen drove to the Franklin Pierce six yard line with 9:31 in the fourth. Jacobs fumbled the ball into the end zone rolling into the corner; Drew Kelly jumped on the ball before it could go out of bounds. The play held, despite Franklin Pierce's sideline and coach complaints that the play was a touch back because the ball went out before Kelly had possession. The officials ruled Kelly had possession for six points. Hazen tied the game with a two point conversion on Abdullah's carry.

Teams exchanged possessions with 5:11 left in the game. Hazen drove down to the Cardinals' seven yard line thanks to an unsportsmanlike conduct call on three Cardinals for holding a Hazen play even after the whistle blew. It set Hazen up at the Franklin Pierce seven yard line. Quarterback Tony Nipert scored from one yard out. Cole Taylor had his third point after attempt for a 35-28 lead with 1:06 left in the game.

Franklin Pierce found themselves at their one yard line after a great kickoff from Hazen. The Highlanders held the Cardinals, and eventually their quarterback was sacked in the end zone by Cody Moorhead for two more points.

Kyle Nelson earned the Just Play Fair Award for his performance Friday night.

Head Coach Drew Oliver told the team after the game "Thank you for coming through. It's the first step in a big journey."

This is the first time in a while the Highlanders have beat a ranked team in the regular season. Hazen (0-0, 1-0)  travels to rival Liberty (0-0, 0-1) next Friday, September 7 at 7 p.m.

Renton 13, Olympic 0

Renton traveled to Silverdale Friday night and came away with a 13-0 win over 2A Olympic High.The Indians scored in the second quarter when Olympic fumbled in the end zone and recovered by Kenneth Green. Quarterback Da'ssaun Sauls scored their second touchdown on a 19-yard run. Renton (0-0, 1-0) travels to 3A Decatur of Federal Way next Friday at 7 p.m.

Lindbergh 0, West Seattle 2

The Eagles forfeited their first game of the season due to injuries and ineligible players, according to school district Athletic Director Brian Kaelin. Lindbergh will open their 2012 season next Friday, September 7 at home against 2A Steilacoom (0-0, 0-1).

**Game stats will be updated in this story as teams report them.