FRANKLIN − Arrowhead didn’t play up to its standard against Franklin. But when the game was on the line, the Warhawks found a way to win.
Austin Leppla scored the go-ahead touchdown with 20 seconds remaining, lifting Arrowhead to a 20-17 victory over Franklin in a back-and-forth matchup that came down to the final moments Friday, Oct. 16.
For Arrowhead coach Matt Harris, the victory was about more than the final score. It was an opportunity for his team to respond to adversity and learn how to win when things don’t go according to plan.
“I think we didn’t play to our standard,” said Harris, whose team is 8-1. “We just tried to bring it back to one play at a time.”
The game remained competitive, with both teams trading scores. Franklin took advantage of a 70-yard punt return by Trevor Summers to help set up a touchdown from Connor Henschel.
Arrowhead answered behind its playmakers, including a touchdown by Jebari Craig Jr.
With the game hanging in the balance in a tense fourth quarter, Leppla delivered the decisive play. His late touchdown put Arrowhead ahead 20-17, leaving Franklin with little time to respond.
Harris praised Leppla’s performance, pointing to the work the senior has put in as a multi-sport athlete and the competitive mindset he brings to the field.
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“What an amazing piece of work for Austin,” Harris said. “The kid has done everything I’ve asked. When he gets to a moment like this, he’s able to perform and make the big plays like he made.”
The win also provided a valuable test for Arrowhead as it looks ahead to the remainder of its schedule.
“For us, we get in these moments where we’ve never played here before,” Harris said. “It was probably a good thing for us to go through a little bit of adversity and be on the positive side of it.”
Harris hopes the team carries that lesson forward: close games can turn at any moment, and staying composed is essential.
“Anything could happen at any time,” Harris said.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Arrowhead rallies past Franklin on touchdown with 20 seconds left