By Nick Ray

Item Correspondent

POPLARVILLE – The Poplarville Hornets’ drive for its seventh win came in simple fashion as the Forrest County Aggies fell victim to the offensive sting of the Green and Gold in a 62-6 decision during homecoming festivities Friday night. Prior to kickoff, Austin Mayfield was crowned queen for 2018.

The Hornets (7-1 overall, 3-0 in district play) scored early and often against the Aggies (1-7) with six touchdowns in the first half to take a commanding 41-0 lead at halftime.

After an Aggie punt to start the game, the Hornets’ first possession to the endzone took six plays and 60 yards capped by a 12-yard rushing score by running back Ahmad Bolton. Ethan Spiers’ point-after-touchdown attempt was good, giving Poplarville the lead 7-0 at the 8:30 mark of the first quarter.

The Aggies failed to gain a first down on its next possession. A fourth down punt was returned by Canaan Ray 70 yards for a score. Ethan Spiers’ PAT was ruled no good and Poplarville led 13-0 with 6:12 remaining in the first quarter.

Poplarville’s Trae Wilson recovered a fumble on the first play of the next Aggie possession, which gave the Hornets a first and 10 at the Forrest County 12. Two plays later, Chase Sears scored to give the Hornets’ their third touchdown of the first quarter. Ethan Spiers’ PAT was good, and Poplarville led 20-0 at the 5:34 mark.

After an Aggie punt, the Hornets returned to the end zone four plays later with Bolton scoring his second touchdown of the evening on a 30-yard rush to the endzone. Ethan Spiers PAT was good and Poplarville extended the lead to 27-0 at the 11:52 mark of the second quarter.

The Hornets next scoring drive started after an Aggie punt went for a touchback. Poplarville moved the ball 80 yards on four plays with a 35-yard Tyson Holston dash to the endzone. Ethan Spiers’ PAT was good, and with 6:16 remaining in the first half, Poplarville’s lead stretched to 34-0.

On the last play of the first half, Wilson exploded down the field for an 87-yard touchdown run. Ethan Spiers’ PAT extended the margin to 41-0.

Third quarter scoring began after Forrest County’s first possession stalled at the Poplarville 33-yard line. Senior quarterback Antonio Barnes added to the Hornets’ lead with 23-yard keeper to the end zone. Candi Spiers came onto the field and connected on the extra point and Poplarville led 48-0 at the 5:42 mark of the third quarter.

On the next drive, Poplarville’s Ahmad Peters recovered an Aggie fumble to set up its next score. One play into the drive, Wilson tacked on his third score of the night on a 31-yard rushing touchdown. Candi Spiers’ PAT was good and Poplarville led 55-0 with 3:23 remaining in the third quarter.

The next Aggie drive ended in failed punt attempt that gave the Hornets possession at the Forrest County 21-yard line. Five plays later, Cory Knight scored on a three-yard touchdown run. Candi Spiers’ PAT was good, as the Hornets led 62-0 at the 9:32 mark of the fourth quarter.

Forrest County avoided the shutout on its final drive of the evening. On a fourth down and seven, Hunter Martin scored on a 42-yard touchdown run with 3:07 remaining. The PAT was partially blocked and sailed wide right as Poplarville went on to defeat Forrest County 62-6. 

Next week, the Hornets will host Sumrall. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.