by Hunter Dawkins
West Harrison High School certainly enjoyed hosting their first game, controlling the time of possession for most of the game. The Hurricanes (2-2) ran inside the tackle for most of the game, accounting for over 230 yards on the ground and shutting out the Pass Christian Pirates 21-0.
The Pirates (1-3) mishandled a few opportunities by fumbling in the red zone with 11:30 left in the half, missing on a 38-yard field goal, Quarterback Dustin Allison being sacked from behind and fumbling the ball with 6 seconds left in the half, turning the ball over on downs with four penalties during a possession and botching a punt.
Despite the mishaps, the Pirates held the Hurricanes to 100 yards total offense in the first half while allowing only one score.
The first possession, Pass High went three-and-out, as the Pirates attempted to fall on the shoulders of running back Gordon Ward all night. Holding the Hurricanes to five plays on their drive, Ward dropped Hurricanes back Joseph Miller for a two-yard loss. After switching series a few times, the quarter ended as Allison fumbled inside the red zone where Hurricane linebacker Brandon McMillan recovered.
From here, West Harrison went on a five minute, twelve-play drive with quarterback K.J. Holloway diving in from the one-yard line with 5:33 left in the half. Once kicker Jonah Russell converted the extra point, the lead was Hurricanes 7-0 with 5:33 left in the half.
When the Pirates got the ball back with under thirty seconds, Allison was sacked from the back, causing a fumble, which the Hurricanes recovered with no time left.
After halftime, the Hurricanes controlled the ball for six minutes until Holloway threw an interception to Pirate defensive back Josh Tinson with 8:22 left in the quarter. Pass could not take advantage of this turnover, as West Harrison took over for an eight play drive with running back Levi Fore scoring with 2:44 left. The extra point was converted and the new score was 14-0 Hurricanes.
As West Harrison controlled the clock for the last few minutes of the game, Dickerson caught an opening and scampered for 35 yards with 1:36 left to seal the victory. Once Russell kicked through the uprights, the game was secured at 21-0.
“These guys fought so hard,” said West Harrison Head Coach Quincy Patrick. “I told these guys this week, if you can withstand adversity, you’ll win this game.”
West Harrison hosts Stone County next week while Pass Christian has a bye next week.
(insert photos by Rickey Lewis)
