Hoggard Dominant in Big Win
Written by: Joe Myers
WILMINGTON — In ancient times, comets were considered omens of things to come. For the Hoggard Vikings, the Clayton Comets signaled a big win. In a matchup of top-10 programs in their respective divisions, Hoggard rolled past Clayton 38-14 on Friday night, looking every bit like a team capable of representing the East in the 8A finals.
The Vikings dominated from the opening kickoff. A strange hop pinned Clayton at its own 15-yard line, and three plays later the Comets had lost nine yards. A bad snap on the punt led to a safety and a quick 2-0 Hoggard lead. Five plays later, quarterback Matthew Boring found Shamell Canty for a 35-yard touchdown, and suddenly it was 9-0.
Special teams continued to swing momentum. Another strong punt pinned Clayton at its own 5, and the Vikings’ defense pushed the Comets back to the 1. After a short punt, Hoggard needed only five plays to extend the lead to 17-0 with five minutes left in the first quarter.
Clayton answered with its best drive of the night, marching 80 yards in 14 plays. Quarterback Carson Jones completed three passes to Parker Ferguson, including a 34-yarder, and finished the drive with a score to cut the deficit to 17-6.
Hoggard responded with a 14-play drive of its own, powered by David Hunter, who ran eight times for 44 yards and a touchdown to push the lead to 24-6 midway through the second quarter.
After pinning the Comets deep again, the Vikings forced a three-and-out and took over at midfield. Three plays later, Boring hit Desyn Durand for 38 yards, and Hunter punched in a 5-yard touchdown run for his second score of the night. Hoggard led 31-6 at halftime.
The Vikings opened the third quarter with another statement drive, covering 57 yards in five plays. A 47-yard strike from Boring to Durand set up Hunter third touchdown, a 1-yard run that extended the lead to 38-6. Clayton added a late touchdown to close the scoring at 38-14.
Boring finished an efficient 12-of-13 passing for 206 yards and a touchdown, adding a rushing score as well. Hunter carried 21 times for 104 yards and three touchdowns, while Durand caught three passes for 93 yards. Hoggard’s defense suffocated Clayton’s run game, holding the Comets to just eight rushing yards on 20 attempts and 157 total yards.
Ferguson was a bright spot for Clayton, hauling in seven receptions for 137 yards. Jones went 8-of-12 passing for 132 yards.