Hamilton downs Bobcats, 42-26
HAMILTON — In a high-scoring, backand- forth battle, the Hamilton Aggies defeated the Phil Campbell Bobcats 42-26 on Friday night.
The Aggies used a dominant second half performance, highlighted by a series of rushing touchdowns and a momentumswinging interception, to pull away from the Bobcats.
The game opened with a promising start for the Bobcats. Running back Logan Cooper broke through the Hamilton defense for an 8-yard rushing touchdown to put Phil Campbell on the board first. The two-point conversion attempt by Braxton Downey was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 6-0.
Hamilton answered quickly with a 37-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful extra point, giving the Aggies a narrow 7-6 lead.
The second quarter saw a flurry of touchdowns from both sides. Hamilton scored on a 7-yard rush, but Phil Campbell responded with a clutch 33-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Hayston Scott to Austin Elliott. A successful two-point conversion by Jayden Taylor briefly tied the game at 14.
H oweve r, th e Aggies’ offense proved relentless, adding two more short-yardage rushing touchdowns and converting both extra points to close out the half with a 29-14 lead.
Hamilton’s control of the game intensified in the second half.
The Aggies continued to be a force on the ground, adding another rushing touchdown. They delivered the decisive blow in the fourth quarter when the Aggies intercepted a Phil Campbell pass and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown, extending their lead to 42-14.
Despite the deficit, the Bobcats refused to quit.
Cooper found the end zone again with a 14-yard rushing touchdown, although the two-point conversion failed. The Bobcats final score came from a spectacular 58-yard touchdown pass from Brody Flanagan to Elliott. Unfortunately, the final two-point conversion attempt was incomplete, solidifying the Aggies’ 42-26 victory.
Phil Campbell had 116 yards on the ground and 166 through the air. Hamilton gained 187 yards on the ground and 136 through the air.
Scott completed 6 of 13 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. Elliott caught five passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns. Chandler Benford caught five passes for 46 yards.
Cooper led the Bobcats in rushing with 55 yards on seven carries and two touchdowns. Ethan Hallman led the defense with 13 tackles.
Phil Campbell will travel to Vinemont next week for its region opener.
