The stands were full as the Hornets took the field to play there first ever homecoming game in their new stadium. However, Hornet fans would sit and watch as their team would be out muscled by a very physical Vancleave team in a 34 – 27 loss.

On the opening kickoff the Hornets would attempt an onside kick that would roll out of bounds. With good field position on their own 48 yd line the bulldogs would take advantage as Dre Whittle would scamper 38 yards around the right end to put the bulldogs up 7-0 only 1:34 into the game.

The Hornets would answer though mounting a 64 yard drive of their own on their first possession. Chancellor Houston would score from 5 yards out set up by a 36 yard scramble by Quarterback Matt Williams. After a blocked PAT the Hornets trailed 7-6 with 8:47 left in the first quarter.

After that drive the offenses would stall for both teams. Each team would trade possessions three times until 2:48 before half when Vancleave’s quarterback Anthony Izzio would connect with Dylan Bains for 39 yards setting the bulldog offense up at the two yard line. One play later fullback Eddie Mallette would force his way in the end zone to make the score 14-6 before half.

The second half did not start any better than the first half for the Hornets. On their first play from scrimmage fullback Justin Raine would have the ball stripped from his arms setting up the Bulldogs with another short field at the Hornets 17 yard line. Five plays later Jon Kihyet would cross the goal line and after a good PAT the score stood at 21-6.

On Poplarville’s next possession they would cough it up again on their own 23 yard line. The Bulldog offense would waste no time capitalizing on another Hornet mistake raising the score to 27-6.

As the fourth quarter began the Hornets offense would catch fire as they would score on their next three possessions. Ira White would scamper 52 yards for on the first play of the fourth quarter to narrow the deficit to 27-12. After a Vancleave punt the Hornets would put together another drive capped off by a 17 yard touchdown run by Chancellor Houston. With 7:53 left in the game the Hornets trailed 27-20 and needing a stop on defense.

Vancleave would put together a very methodical drive chewing up most of the remaining seconds in the game but would find themselves with a 3rd and 4 on their own 48 yard line. Running Back Dre Whittle would cut back across the field and rumble 52 yards yards to all but seal the win. With 59 seconds left on the clock quarterback Matt Williams would hook up with J.J. Richardson on a 42 yard pass to make the score 34 – 27. After a failed onside kick Vancleave could kneel the football to end the Hornets comeback hopes.

Vancleave moves to 5-3 on the season as they prepare to travel to Moss Point next week. The Hornets fall to 3-5 on the season and they will host Bay High in a key Division 8-4A matchup at Hornet Stadium on Friday night.