By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
Dixie Heights football coach Pat Burke drew a loud cheer from his players when he gave them a day off from practice following their 44-8 win over Conner on Thursday in Hebron.
It was a fitting reward for the Colonels. Burke said they played their most complete game of the season in the running clock victory over their Class 5A district rival to move one step closer to clinching a home game in the first round of the playoffs.
The final stats told the story. Dixie Heights netted 477 yards (267 rushing, 210 passing) compared to Conner’s 256 (108 rushing, 148 passing).
“It was a nice step forward tonight for us,” Burke said of his 3-5 team. “Offensive line played great. I thought our (pass) protection was good and we got the ball out on time. And then we were able to run the rock. That’s our bread and butter, and I thought we were able to do a real nice job of that.”
The Colonels’ offensive leader was senior running back Levi Gilliland. He rushed for 142 yards on 22 carries and scored a career-high four touchdowns.
Sophomore quarterback Brycan Schatzman also had his best passing game of the season, completing 15 of 18 passes for 210 yards. One of his passes to senior Brady Speakman picked up 61 yards and set up a rushing touchdown.
“Overall, I think the game was orchestrated amazing,” Gilliland said. “Defense came together and offense did their thing. Everybody was physical. Coaches really listened to us a lot.”
It was the type of victory the Colonels needed after last week’s disappointing 25-13 loss to Cooper, the top team in the district standings. They were out-gained, 359-228, in total yards that night.
On Thursday, Dixie Heights surpassed 200 yards during the first half and scored on each of its four possessions to open up a 24-8 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, the offense picked up where it left off with three consecutive touchdown drives to start a running clock.
After Dixie Heights sophomore Colston Suedkamp got to the end zone on a 73-yard breakaway run, Gilliland capped the scoring with a 6-yard burst for his fourth TD.
“I’m very, very appreciative of my O-line,” Gilliland said. “I think if you just follow your blocks on this team it’ll get you as far as you need.”
Gilliland is also a starting linebacker on the Dixie Heights defensive unit that gave up just one touchdown. Conner picked up 81 of its 256 total yards on that second quarter scoring drive that ended with quarterback Ethan Estvanko’s 7-yard run across the goal line.
“We knew we’d have our work cut our for us (on defense),” coach Burke said. “We were able to stop the run, we were able to get some pressure on their quarterback and it ended in our favor. It was a nice job by our defense.”
CONNER 0 8 0 0 — 8
DIXIE HEIGHTS 10 14 20 0 — 44
DH — Easton Niemeyer 30 FG
DH — Levi Gilliland 35 run (Niemeyer kick)
CO — Ethan Estvanko 7 run (Jaiden Pendleton pass from Estvanko)
DH — Gilliland 1 run (Niemeyer kick)
DH — Brycen Schatzman 4 run (Niemeyer kick)
DH — Gilliland 5 run (Niemeyer kick)
DH — Colston Suedkamp 73 run (Niemeyer kick)
DH — Gilliland 6 run (kick failed)
RECORDS: Dixie Heights 3-5, 2-1; Conner Dixie Heights 2-6, 1-2.
High school football scoreboard
THURSDAY SCORES
Scott 43, Boone County 21
Dixie Heights 44, Conner 8
Lloyd 14, Henry County 7
FRIDAY GAMES
Beechwood at St. Henry, 7 p.m.
Dayton at Bellevue, 7 p.m.
Brossart vs. Holy Cross at Thomas More, 7 p.m.
Campbell County at Ryle, 7 p.m.
Covington Catholic at Indianapolis Cathedral, 7 p.m.
Cincinnati Elder at Highlands, 7 p.m.
Newport at Newport Central Catholic, 7 p.m.
Simon Kenton at Great Crossing, 7:30 p.m.
Gallatin County at Walton-Verona, 7 p.m.
SATURDAY GAME
Ohio County at Holmes, 3 p.m.