DANVILLE — Schlarman Hilltoppers coach Mike High described his team as a group of guys who never got too high or too low.

Coming off only their third win in the last five seasons, the Hilltoppers came into their home opener against Arcola like a team that had been there before and they played like it.

Schlarman controlled most of the game before ultimately coming up just short, losing to the Purple Riders 21-20 in overtime.

The progress of both teams stood out to High.

“We played great tonight and it wasn’t a fluke we were leading for most of this game,” he said. “It shows how far we have come, and this was a quality opponent. They have come along way from last season when they won one game. I think ultimately it came down to depth, especially on the lines. We had our guys playing both offensive and defensive line and they were able to rotate in and out and that showed especially in the second half by the way they were getting off the ball.”

The Hilltoppers forced a three and out on the Purple Riders’ first series, setting a defensive tone for the first half. Following the first of three lost Arcola fumbles, Schlarman would score on their third series.

Following a 30-yard pass to Lucas Spezia, quarterback Heath Goodwin would score from 26 yards out to put the Hilltoppers up 6-0. Goodwin would leave the game with an injury late in the fourth quarter and initial reports were that he will be lost for the season.

“Heath played really tonight,” High said. “With Heath out though, it becomes all mental for us because we showed again this week we can compete physically.”

The Hilltoppers added to their lead late in the second quarter when Goodwin connected on a 47-yard touchdown pass to Ron Soderstrom who bobbled the ball, but made a great catch against two defenders. Goodwin then hit Spezia for the two-point conversion to send Schlarman to the half up 14-0.

Arcola would score midway through the third quarter and the game went to the fourth quarter with the Hilltoppers up 14-7.

The final period would prove to have a little bit of everything as Schlarman fumbled on its own 25-yard line with eight minutes to go but got the ball back on downs.

Goodwin would break a big 20-yard run that got the Hilltoppers out of their own end of the field but he was shook up and left the game for two plays. He returned and broke a nice run but fumbled as he was injured. The Purple Riders promptly went down the field and tied the game with four minutes to go on a 16-yard run by Garrison Stenger. The Hilltoppers would have a punt blocked with two minutes to go, but an interception by Cody Carpenter sent the game to overtime.

In overtime, each team started at the 10-yard line and Schlarman got the ball first and scored on third down when backup quarterback Clein Gard hit Spezia from 10 yards out, but the conversion attempt failed.

The Purple Riders then quickly pounded the ball right up the middle, scored on a one-yard run by Stengerm and hit the extra point for the win.

“We got dinged up and that showed in the second half. Our defense played well in the first half and forced a lot of fumbles, but we didn’t have Michael Seilhymer in the middle in the second half and that was a big key,” said High. “As the game went along, it became more and more about attrition. No complaints though. I wish we had more guys helping us out but we have to keep the faith. We have to continue doing the right things and find ways to win. We showed tonight we are on the right track and earned a little respect for this team and program.”

The Hilltoppers (1-1) open Vermilion Valley Conference play next week at home against the Oakwood/ Armstrong-Potomac Comets.