Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central celebrated Homecoming in style Friday night, pulling away from Liberty Tech Magnet to earn a 39-24 victory.
After falling behind 12-0 in the first quarter, the Tigers came roaring back with 13 unanswered points before halftime, then exploded for 20 more in the third to seize control of the game.
Before the Game
Prior to the game, Central held their homecoming ceremony, in which Senior Bryleigh Sauls was crowned as this year’s queen.
During the coin toss, the school honored special guest, retired bus driver Patsy Higdon.
She walked out with team captains to the center of the field.
Director of Schools Dr. Myles Hebrard’s voice echoed over the loudspeaker.
“From 1983 to 2013, Miss Patsy was more than just a bus driver. She was a dependable, familiar face and a beloved part of our community,” he said. “For 30 years, she safely transported generations of students, teachers, and athletes with unwavering dedication. From 1988-2012, Mrs. Patsy proudly drove the Tigers to every away game.”
He added, “Rain or shine, win or lose, Mrs. Patsy was a constant to the players, coaches, and their families.”
Higdon then presented the game ball to the players and received a loud applause.
Tigers’ Offense
Quarterback Braxton Howard finished the night completing 9 of 17 passes for 119 yards and four touchdowns, spreading the ball around to multiple receivers.
Junior Tanner Walters completed seven catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns, including a 41-yard score.
Seniors Seth Thomas and Brady Roberts each added a touchdown reception, with 13 and 11 yards respectively.
Central’s offensive line totaled 169 rushing yards on the night.
Sophomore Korbin Brown carried the ball 17 times for 134 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by a 33-yard burst.
Senior Nic King added 35 yards and a score on 10 carries.
Tigers’ Defense
Senior Peyton Maness executed seven tackles, including one sack and a tackle for loss.
Junior Daegan Collins contributed two sacks and two tackles for loss, as well as caused a fumble.
Carter Lowe and Johnny Tilley combined for 15 total tackles.
Grayson Thompson and Maness each forced a fumble.
Special Teams
Walters connected on three extra points, punted once for 46 yards, and sent three of his eight kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks.
King added a 45-yard kickoff return.
Team Totals
Central outgained Liberty Tech 288 total yards to 218, executing 56 plays to the Crusaders’ 43.
The Tigers picked up 14 first downs and overcame eight penalties to improve their record to 5-2 on the season.
Liberty Tech was led by Keivon Marshall, who rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown, and Keylan McLilly, who caught a 66-yard scoring pass.
Head Coach Clay McMackins praised both teams, following the game.
“It was a really hard-fought game by Liberty,” McMackins said. “They’ve got some incredible athletes over there, and hats off to them. They played a really hard, physical game. Our boys worked really hard all week, and I’m proud of them. We had a good game plan going in, found a few things we could take advantage of, and they executed.”
Looking ahead to the Tigers’ next game against McKenzie, McMackins said, “We’re going to play Bruceton football.”
“We’ve had a couple of hiccups this year when we tried to play to our competition,” he added. “I think tonight was a good eye-opener for the boys. This is what happens when we play our brand of football.
The Tigers will look to carry their momentum into Friday’s district matchup at home against McKenzie’s Rebels.
