Quick start propels Bobcats to Homecoming win
The Phil Campbell Bobcats defended their home turf and celebrated Homecoming night in style, defeating rival Hackleburg 26-10 in a dominant performance that saw the Bobcats control the tempo from the opening whistle.
The game started with an immediate bang. Hackleburg kicked off to Chandler Benford, who showcased his speed and vision by taking the return 98 yards for a touchdown. The electric play gave Phil Campbell an instant 6-0 lead and ignited the Homecoming crowd.
The Bobcats’ offense wasted no time capitalizing on the early momentum. After a powerful 39-yard run by Braxton Downey moved Phil Campbell deep into Hackleburg territory, quarterback Hayston Scott connected with Hagen Raper on a 10-yard scoring pass. Scott then completed the twopoint conversion pass to Benford, extending the lead to 14-0 early in the first quarter.
Hackleburg managed to get on the board late in the first quarter via a safety, cutting the margin to 14-2. However, Phil Campbell maintained the pressure in the second period, adding another score on a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Scott, pushing the score to 20-2 heading into the halftime break.
Sadie Hill PHOTO BY BART MOSS
The celebratory halftime, where Sadie Hill was crowned the 2024 Phil Campbell Homecoming Queen, was followed by an aggressive Hackleburg opening drive in the third quarter, resulting in a touchdown that trimmed the Bobcats’ lead to 20-10.
Phil Campbell QB Hayston Scott gained 117 yards on 18 carries and scored a touchdown against Hackleburg. CONTRIBUTED/THS
However, the Bobcats’ offense settled down, controlling the ball and chewing up the clock through the second half. They capped a lengthy drive with a 4-yard touchdown run by Logan Cooper, sealing the 26-10 victory.
The statistical performance was led by dual-threat quarterback Hayston Scott, who accounted for 117 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, while efficiently completing 12 of 15 passes for 133 yards. Braxton Downey contributed significantly to the running attack, picking up 69 yards on eight attempts.
Defensively, the Bobcats limited Hackleburg to just 210 total yards of offense. Scott and Cody Snead anchored the effort with seven tackles apiece, while Chandler Benford followed up his opening score with six key stops on defense. Phil Campbell finished the night with 333 yards of total offense, cementing a complete team victory.
CONTRIBUTED/THS
Tharptown Homecoming Queen Natalee Franks
Phil Campbell will host Midfield on Friday.
In other games around the county:
•Red Bay – The Red Bay Tigers defeated rival Belmont (MS) 42-22. The Tigers dominated the game with 323 total yards of offense- 257 on the ground and 66 through the air. Jaxson Vinson led statistically with 192 yards rushing on 21 carries and three touchdowns. Jeremiah Thorne was 3 for 6 passing for 66 yards and a touchdown. Davo Colburn had two catches for 54 yards and touchdown. He also had an interception return for a touchdown. Red Bay also had a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Red Bay will play Tupelo Christian Prep on Friday.
•Tharptown Tharptown defeated Vina 40-12. Cody McClusky had 15 carries for 138 yards and three touchdowns and two two-point conversions. Anthony Bonilla had nine carries for 56 yards and two twopoint conversions. Austin Chaney had 10 carries for 52 yards and a touchdown. Natalee Franks was crowned Tharptown’s homecoming queen at halftime. Tharptown will host Tanner Friday night. Vina will travel to Hackleburg.
•Belgreen – Belgreen defeated Cherokee 20-14. Belgreen will be off this week.
