By Dave Malenick
Correspondent
HOLLY SPRINGS - The Holly Springs football team had its home opener spoiled by Wilson Hunt 38-7 on Thursday.
The Golden Hawks (1-2), who split their first two games on the road, gave up an 81-yard touchdown pass on the game’s first play from scrimmage, allowing the Warriors an early lead they never relinquished.
Wilson Hunt quarterback Jacob Page threw for 169 yards and scored three touchdowns. Both of Page’s touchdown passes went to Qwen Ballard, including the 81-0yarder and then a 14-yard strike in the second quarter. Page also ran for a 21-yard score just before halftime to give the Warriors a 31-7 halftime advantage.
“That first play of the game set us back,” said Holly Springs head coach David Riggs. “We only had the ball 14 plays in the first half. We knew they were good, but they just hit us harder. We’re disappointed in the way we played, especially the first half.”
Holly Springs also committed three turnovers, which led to 14 Hunt points.
The Warriors gained 203 yards on the ground, led by Everton Jones (12 carries-70 yards) and Caleb Driver (10-59). Ballard led Hunt with 95 receiving yards.
The Golden Hawks trailed 10-0 but scored their lone touchdown in the second quarter. Luke Wilhelmson completed a 56-yard drive with a seven-yard run to cut the deficit to 10-7 9:15 before intermission.
Wilhelmson led Holly Springs with 40 yards rushing. The Golden Hawks were limited to just 41 yards rushing. Hunt posted six sacks in the win.
“The second half our kids hung in there,” Riggs said. “A lot of guys got banged up.”
Holly Springs begins Tri-Nine conference play next week when the Golden Hawks host Middle Creek on Friday.
