INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — For the first time in nearly two decades, the Incline Village football team came out on top against league rivals Pershing County.

The Highlanders fell behind early before rallying back behind a game-winning touchdown pass from junior quarterback Tommy Williams to junior receiver Colin Combs in the final seconds to claim a 21-14 win at home Friday night.

“Me and Colin spend a lot of time working together. We have that connection and I knew where he was going to be,” said Williams on hitting Combs on a slant route in the final seconds of the game.

Williams finished the night with 175 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception on 10 of 27 pass attempts. He also ran for 62 yards on eight carries.

“This was crucial as far as how our season is going to go. This team wants it. We had six linemen today. These guys didn’t back down once. Our line was fighting out there, holding their own, putting in the work. I couldn’t be more proud of the team. We had guys in their going both ways the whole time. They want to win as much as I do and it’s great to be in that type of environment.”

Combs caught both touchdown passes and had 46 yards on four catches. Senior teammate Cameron Bodel led the team in receiving with 71 yards on four catches.

Defensively, junior Lucas McNamara led Incline with 16 tackles. Incline Village finished the game with 3.5 sacks. Junior Ace Zendner recorded a sack, forced a fumble, and recovered a fumble. Combs also had a sack and blocked a field goat attempt. Junior Ryan Arnett intercepted a pass and managed to return a punt for a touchdown.

Incline (1-1, 1-0 Northern League) will head across Nevada to face West Wendover (1-2, 0-1  Northern League) on Friday.

Justin Scacco is a reporter for the Sierra Sun, a sister publication of the Tribune.