Hardin runs over Anahuac 38-0
Anahuac’s King Charles breaks up this play against the Hardin Hornets last Thursday night at Kyle white Stadium. The Panthers just could not muster any points against the Hornets, but they are still alive in the hunt for a playoff spot.
ANAHUAC— The magical season for the Hardin Hornets continues as the No. 10 team in Class 3A Division I, putting on a dominating performance on Thursday night at Kyle White Stadium with a 38-0 win over the Anahuac Panthers.
The victory clinched a playoff spot for Hardin, who is only a win away from their first district title since 1974.
The Hornets running game was on full display as they finished the game with 402 yards rushing, with Javion Watley leading the way with 165 yards on 16 carries and two touchdowns. Quarterback Kolton Bishop rolled up 120 yards on 17 carries and Trevor Jones added 85 yards and three touchdowns.
Hardin (8-0, 4-0) took the game's opening drive and marched 71 yards with Watley scoring from 13 yards out and a 6-0 lead with 9:01 left in the first quarter. On the drive, Watley rushed five times for 67 yards.
After a fumble recovery by Brennan Nunan at the Panthers 47-yard line, Jones scored from 3 yards out and the Hornets advantage was 14-0 with 2:16 left in the opening quarter.
On Anahuac's next possession, Jaytwan Dowdye had a nice 25-yard run to midfield. The Panthers drive would sputter out, though.
Hardin then drove 51 yards for their next score with Jones doing the honors on a 3-yard score, and after the Watley two-point conversion, it was the Hornets leading 22-0 with 7:37 left in the second quarter.
Hardin would put together a 58-yard drive on their next possession with Jones scoring from the 3-yard line, and after a Watley run for two, it was the Hornets in control 30-0 at the half.
Anahuac would get a fumble recovery by Cooper Hutchins on Hardin's next drive, in what was the biggest play of the night for the Panthers.
The only scoring of the second half would be a Hornets 71-yard drive that resulted in a Watley 11-yard run and a 38-0 lead with 3:48 left in the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Panther Cullen Cotton had a nice sack for an 8-yard loss.
Dowdye led Anahuac with 46 yards rushing on 15 carries. Oscar Garza added 19 yards rushing.
Hardin will host Coldspring at home on Friday night, while the Panthers will have a week off before getting ready for the final regular-season game on Nov. 6 at Coldspring.
If Anahuac beats the Trojans, they will clinch the final playoff spot in district.