Wayne Demikoff's first game as head football coach at Wayne Hills didn't figure to be easy. But after a tough Northern Highlands squad built an 11-point lead, his Patriots showed their resolve as they rallied to pull out a 17-14 triumph.

Quarterback Justin DeGroat tossed the winning touchdown pass to Joey Kenny with a little more than six minutes left. DeGroat threw two TD passes, but did much of his damage on the ground, rushing 10 times for 125 yards.

Running back Justin Hogan added 115 yards rushing, while Erik Martinez booted a field goal and made a crucial play on a bad punt snap, getting the ball away from his own end zone rather than giving up a safety or worse.

For Northern Highlands, Brandon Latierno had a touchdown run and Rich Holle threw a scoring pass to Jack Bors. Holle came in to play quarterback after starter Bobby Brown suffered an injury in the second quarter.

The Highlanders will play at Indian Hills next Friday night while Wayne Hills will host crosstown rival Wayne Valley.

For sports video highlights of this high school football game, click play in the box at left.