The Poplarville Hornets stung the Pass Christian Pirates at Friday night’s Homecoming game showdown.
The Hornets’ defense shined, only allowing the Pirates one touchdown the entire game.
The Pirates scored that touchdown early in the first quarter, taking their only lead of the night. But the Hornets answered right back with a touchdown by full back Jesse Pernell with eight minutes left in the quarter.
The Hornets began the second quarter in a big way with a touchdown by wingback Sye Blossman bringing the Hornets score up to 14, Pirates 7.
With minutes left in the half running back Malik Lucas carried the ball into the end zone for another Hornets’ touchdown. The Hornets led 21 to 7.
The Pirates didn’t have control of the ball å long when it was fumbled and recovered by Hornets’ defensive end Jamerrick Waller who carried the ball in for a touchdown with eight minutes left in the half.
The Pirates were now down by 21. The score was 28-7.
The Hornets once again took advantage of a Pirates fumble when nose guard Blake Mata recovered the ball.
Poplarville banked on that fumble with a touchdown by tight end Gavin Lambert. With three minutes to go in the half the score was Hornets 35, Pirates 7.
But with 28 seconds left on the clock wingback Anthony Martin carried the ball in for another Hornets’ touchdown.
The score at halftime was 42 to 7, Hornets.
The Hornets dominated the second half of the game.
With four minutes left in the third quarter full back Tyler Fricke carried the ball into the end zone for another Hornets’ touchdown.
With three minutes left in the game full back Tyler Fricke scored the final touchdown of the night.
The final score was Hornets 56, Pirates 7.
Hornets Head Coach Jay Beech said he was pleased with his team’s performance.
“Homecoming week is full of distractions” Beech said. “But they overcame and wore this team down.”
The next Hornets game is Friday Oct. 17 against St. Stanislaus in Bay St. Louis at 7 p.m.