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The unlikely arm of Browning Becherer powered Collins to a shocker in the Class 4A title game Saturday at Houchens-Smith Stadium.

Becherer, who had one pass the entire season before Saturday, fired a 12-yard strike to Nathan Sames with seven seconds left to lift the Titans over Highlands 37-34.

Forced into action after starting quarterback Lawson Page was forced to sit out one play after Page's helmet was knocked off, Becherer showed the poise of a veteran with a perfect pass to Sames in the end zone between two defenders.

"It worked out in my favor," Becherer said. "I was nervous, but I don't have time to think about it."

After losing to Highlands 47-0 in last year's title game, Collins racked up 458 yards to push past Highlands and snap the Bluebirds' string of six straight state titles. It was Highlands' first loss in a title game since losing to Boyle County in the 3A championship in 2003.

"This is so great for our community and our school," Collins coach Jerry Lucas said. "For our kids to not only win a state championship, but you are playing a perennial state powerhouse. I'm not just talking about the state of Kentucky. I'm talking about the second all-time winningest team in the country. For our kids to perform the way they did on this stage is just amazing to me.

"It's just amazing the way these kids stepped up the entire game. We just have an amazing group of kids. I thought they played their butts off the entire game."

Collins' winning drive came after a fourth-quarter rally from Highlands, which trailed 23-14 entering the fourth quarter.

Both teams scored on the opening possession and Collins (13-2) took the lead on a 27-yard field goal by Blanton Creque.

The Titans maintained the lead with a couple of big stops.

On the ensuing kickoff, Highlands' Jaylen Edwards broke free for a 47-yard gain, with WKU DeAndre Farris making a touchdown saving tackle at the Collins 47.

The Bluebirds moved to the 13 when quarterback Drew Houliston was leveled on a blind side hit by Landon Forrest. Houliston fumbled the ball, with Collins Zach Wilson recovering it at the 21 to preserve the 10-7 lead.

Highlands (13-2) surged ahead on opening drive of the third quarter, but Collins answered with a touchdown run by Farris and a TD catch by Sames to make the score 23-14 at the end of three quarters.

The teams exchanged scores in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter before Highlands scored on its next two possessions – taking the lead on Zach Harris' third touchdown run of the night with 2:33 left.

Collins quickly moved into Highlands territory but stalled at the 12 after quarterback Lawson Page was stopped for a five-yard loss on third down. Page started to go in the huddle after a timeout, but officials wouldn't allow him on the field because his helmet came off on the previous play.

That set the stage for the game winner from his cousin, Becherer.

"We had about three seconds to talk about it," Lucas said. "As he was running out I said, 'Browning take a three-step drop, look him off to to the right and come back to the backside post for a touchdown. It wasn't like he just threw it up. It was a strike to the back post. It was beautiful."

Page finished 15-for-23 for 178 yards passing and added 108 yards rushing.

Houliston threw for 367 yards and four touchdowns for Highlands.

— Follow prep sports writer Micheal Compton on Twitter at twitter.com/mcompton428 or visit bgdailynews.com.

HHS 7 0 7 20 — 34

CHS 7 3 13 14 — 37

First quarter

CHS — Ryan Watkins 1 run (Blanton Creque kick), 6:16

HHS — Zach Harris 2 run (Jared Dougherty kick), 4:15

Second quarter

CHS — Creque 27 field goal, 1:25

Third quarter

HHS — Harris 6 run (Dougherty kick), 9:23

CHS — DeAndre Farris 4 run (Creque kick), 5:55

CHS — Nathan Sames 10 yard pass from Lawson Page (kick blocked), 0:00

Fourth quarter

HHS — Evan Allen 34 yard pass from Drew Houliston (Dougherty kick), 10:36

CHS — Farris 2 run (Creque kick), 9:23

HHS — Alex Veneman 42 pass from Houliston (Dougherty kick), 8:24

HHS — Harris 1 run (pass failed), 2:33

CHS — Sames 12 pass from Browning Becherer (Creque kick), 0:07

http://www.bgdailynews.com/sports/prep/b...08fc2.html