Hollywood Hills 49, Forest Hill 13: Falcons can't repeat the winning magic, fall big

Saturday, November 07, 2009
by Paul Wallace

When Forest Hill's football program grows up, it wants to be like Hollywood Hills, its opponent Friday night. The Spartans treated the Falcons like a little baby brother, but Forest Hill coach Lamar Powell is hoping one day the Falcons will be in the big brother role.

Until then, the Falcons (0-2), 1-8) will have to take their lumps like the 49-13 loss to the Spartans (1-1, 5-4).

"They have a much superior program," Forest Hill coach Lamar Powell said. "They've been there and done that. Tonight was like a playoff atmosphere and our kids are far from handling that situation.

"We're still growing and we're still trying to teach the basics. This program was in such disarray when we got here," Powell added.

Until its win Oct. 23 against Spanish River, Forest Hill had lost 37 straight.

On Friday, big brother Hollywood Hills was unstoppable, scoring on seven straight series to spoil the Falcons' homecoming. Hollywood Hills head coach Scott Barnwell led his team from the press box for the second straight week after suffering a fractured foot when a player rolled up on his leg along the sideline.

Luis Vasquez rushed for three touchdowns and freshman Jeffrey Levine added two more for the Spartans. Vasquez gained 81 yards on eight carries, and Levine added 79 on nine runs.

Forest Hill's touchdown in the first half came on a busted play when running back Dexter Legette got boxed in and lateraled the ball to quarterback Johnathan Shelton who passed to John Vilmenay for a 15-yard TD.

Legette, a bright spot for the Falcons, had six catches for 51 yards and rushed for 27 yards.

Perhaps the biggest highlight for Forest Hill was a catch by Vilmenay that resulted in a 17-yard gain. He jumped straight up, grabbed the ball, and landed flat on his back and held on — much to the delight of the crowd. He finished with four catches and 48 yards.