Harrison 34, Branson 27

HARRISON — Harrison reclaimed the Pella Windows & Doors Border Battle on opening night, answering every Branson punch to secure a 34–27 win Friday. The Goblins leaned on a steady ground game before sealing the night with a deep strike in the fourth quarter.

Harrison built a 21–7 halftime cushion, sparked by RB/LB Eli McNutt’s short touchdown run and RB Isaiah Hale’s burst into the end zone. Hale finished with 124 yards and a score, while McNutt added two touchdowns. QB Gavin Jones managed the offense effectively, setting up WR Caleb Melendez for chunk plays before finding him on the decisive 48-yard touchdown.

Branson battled back with big plays after the break. QB Vicente Pastrana dashed 50 yards for the Pirates’ first score, then special teams swung momentum with a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown and a blocked-punt return to tie the game at 27 early in the fourth quarter.

Harrison’s defense delivered in the closing minutes, holding off Branson’s final push after Melendez’s long touchdown catch gave the Goblins the lead for good.

For Harrison, the victory reinforced a physical identity with the vertical playmaking needed to finish tight games. For Branson, the explosive third-quarter surge and Pastrana’s athleticism showed the Pirates have the firepower to challenge opponents all season.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
Harrison – Eli McNutt run (PAT good), 7–0
Harrison – Killian Eddings run (PAT good), 14–0

2nd Quarter
Branson – Vicente Pastrana run (PAT good), 14–7
Harrison – Isaiah Hale run (PAT good), 21–7

3rd Quarter
Branson – Kickoff return touchdown (PAT good), 21–14
Harrison – Eli McNutt run (PAT failed), 27–14
Branson – Rushing touchdown (PAT blocked), 27–20

4th Quarter
Branson – Blocked-punt return touchdown (PAT good), 27–27
Harrison – Gavin Jones 48-yard pass to Caleb Melendez (PAT good), 34–27