Hobbton continues mastery over Rosewood

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on September 5, 2009 11:06 PM

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Rosewood tried to steal third-quarter momentum.

Cody Harris' 44-yard touchdown pass, set up by a second-half onsides kick, awoke an otherwise lethargic offense and created a little excitement for the home fans.

Hobbton quickly spoiled the party.

The Wildcats needed just five plays to score two touchdowns and seize a 28-7, non-conference victory at Branch Pope Field on Friday evening. Hobbton (2-1 overall) claimed its sixth consecutive triumph over the Eagles and improved to 17-5 overall against Carolina 1-A Conference teams since 2004.

Rosewood lineup for a normal kickoff to start the second half, but third-year head coach Robert Britt decided on a little tom foolery. The pooch kick sailed the necessary 10 yards and Greg Cavenaugh smothered the ball near the Eagles' sideline.

Britt leapt in the air and pumped his fist.

"We hoped that maybe we could get there in time to dislodge the ball," said Britt. "He (Hobbton receiver) missed it in our favor and we got on it."

Three plays later, Eagle quarterback Taylor McGill stepped into the pocket and fired a strike to Harris, who was in one-on-one coverage against Wildcat defensive back Dusty McLamb. Harris caught the ball over his shoulder and trotted into the end zone.

"The kids came out and had some faith in each other," said Britt. "We had the pass protection, got by him deep and Taylor made a good pass ... Cody made a good catch."

Rosewood defensive end Will Beasley recovered a fumble on Hobbton's next possession, but the Eagles (1-2) couldn't build on the momentum. After a three-and-out series, the Wildcats posted their third score of the night -- a 53-yard gallop by Henry Barnes.

After another punt, Hobbton extended its advantage on Elias Chestnutt's 51-yard scoring jaunt. Chestnutt and Barnes combined for 211 of the Wildcats' 324 rushing yards.

"The defense gave up 28 points, but they fought hard all night long," said Britt. "We were just so inconsistent on offense that we gave a good team with a lot of good athletes the opportunities to make big plays, and that's what happened."

Hobbton turned two first-half turnovers into touchdowns.

Rosewood managed 128 yards of total offense and finished 4 for 10 on third-down conversions. Kevin Lewis grinded out 27 yards on 20 carries to lead the ground game.

McGill, in his third varsity start, threw for 73 yards.

Lineman Terence Toran paced the Eagles' defense with 13 stops. Cavenaugh had nine tackles, while junior linebacker Jamie Wooten posted eight tackles. JV call-up Will Winslow, Beasley and Jacob Roberts logged six tackles apiece.