Highlands football game vs. New Castle canceled by lightning

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Friday, September 6, 2024 | 9:10 PM


It’s a myth that lighting never strikes the same spot twice. That proved to be true at New Castle when the Highlands Golden Rams took on the Red Hurricanes at Taggart Stadium.

After an hour wait and multiple lightning strikes, Highlands vs. New Castle was canceled.

New Castle coach Fred Mozzocio and Highlands coach Matt Bonislawski discussed if they should play the game at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Mozzocio said he offered to play Saturday at Highlands. Nevertheless, there was a mutual decision not to play.

With 5 minutes, 20 seconds left in the first quarter, lightning struck and the refs sent the teams back to the locker rooms.

At 7:50, New Castle took the field and began warmups. Not even two minutes into warmups, lightning struck again, causing another delay.

Halfway through the second delay, another lightning strike was seen.

As for the game, The Red Hurricanes had fireworks early.

Nate McKnight returned the opening kickoff for 95 yards for a score. After a missed PAT, New Castle led 6-0.

Highlands responded quickly in a drive that was capped off with a Menage Lucas 20-yard touchdown run. Jackson Babinsack hit the extra point, making it 7-6.

New Castle drive to the Highlands 30-yard line before turning it over on downs after a bad snap.

Shortly after the change of possession, the game was delayed by lightning and that was all she wrote.

Highlands takes on East Allegheny at home next week, looking for its second win.

New Castle travels to Yough, wanting to keep its two-game winning streak alive.

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