Senior Wyatt Holmes celebrates after a big stop in the first half. (Post Photos By Kacy Kincaid)
By KACY KINCAID
Sports Writer
HUNTLAND — Big defensive stops and timely scores led the Forrest Rockets (2-0) to a 38-20 victory over the Huntland Hornets (1-1) Friday night.
“When we had the ball and needed a drive and a score, our offense came through,” said Forrest head coach Justin Palmer.
The Hornets opened the game with a promising drive deep into Rocket territory, but Forrest’s defense stood tall.
On fourth-and-goal, Jon Hightower stuffed Huntland at the seven-yard line to keep the game scoreless.
One play later, Quincy Mitchell went on a 99-yard touchdown trek, putting Forrest ahead 7-0 midway through the first quarter.
Momentum swung further in the Rockets’ favor when Branham Haynes blocked a Huntland punt to set up a short field.
Forrest added a 24-yard field goal early in the second quarter to stretch the lead to 10-0.
Huntland responded with a steady ground attack, capped by a Jed Ashley touchdown run, though the kick after was no good.
Forrest answered quickly as Mitchell scored his second touchdown on the night from 16 yards out, with Huntland striking again just before the half on a long touchdown pass.
Quarterback Micah Morgan with the keeper. Morgan had one touchdown on the night. (Post Photo by Kacy Kincaid)
The Rockets went into halftime holding a 17-12 advantage.
In the third frame, the Hornets took their first lead of the game after a fumble recovery led to a short touchdown drive.
Forrest didn’t flinch.
Mitchell punched in his third touchdown late in the quarter, swinging the lead back to the Rockets, 24-20.
From there, Forrest took control.
Quarterback Micah Morgan scored on a keeper early in the fourth to push the margin to 31-20.
Minutes later, Morgan dropped a dime to Isaac Cruse for a touchdown reception on fourth down to break the game open.
Wyatt Holmes and Chris Rorabaugh delivered key sacks to seal the win, while Hightower added an interception to stymie Huntland’s comeback hopes.
“I thought our defense made some good adjustments in the second half, coming up with two turnovers and some big stops,” said Palmer.
“In the first half, the biggest negative was the long touchdown pass right before halftime, and that’s something we need to correct.”
Mitchell led the way for Forrest with 215 yards over 22 carries and three rushing touchdowns, while Morgan and Cruse each added scores.
Forrest will host Mt. Pleasant in their home-opener on Friday.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Forrest 7 10 7 14 — 38
Huntland 0 12 8 0 — 20
First Quarter
F — Quincy Mitchell 99 run (Isai Garcia kick), 5:46.
Second Quarter
F — Garcia 24-yard field goal; 11:11.
H — Jed Ashley 1 run (kick failed);7:20.
F — Mitchell 16 run (Garcia kick) 1:52.
H — Brooklyn Reynolds 60 pass from Grant Jernigan (run failed) 0:15.
Third Quarter
H — Jernigan 30 run (Mooney run). 6:33.
F — Mitchell 6 run (Garcia kick) 0:59.
Fourth Quarter
F — Micah Morgan 7 run (Garcia kick) 10:38.
F — Isaac Cruse 33 pass from Morgan (Garcia kick) 4:34.