by Hunter Dawkins
Didn’t take long for the Pirates (1-6, 0-2) to have their backs against the wall at H.D. Shirley Field in Hurley, as East Central jumped on the board with two quick touchdowns. The East Central Hornets (6-0, 2-0) dominated the trenches on offense and defense, which secured their victory 56-7.
“East Central is a good team,” said Pass Christian Head Football Coach Casey Wittmann. “They had their way with us by winning at the line of scrimmage.”
The Pass Christian Pirates opened the game with Quarterback Dustin Allison tossing a long pass, putting them in the red zone. After the Pirates couldn’t catch a break on the possession by missing a field goal, the Hornets began their assault of 49 unanswered points.
East Central began with running back Dylan Grinnsteiner on a 17-yard rushing touchdown with 5 minutes left. After the first of eight extra points was converted by Hornets kicker Branson Davis, East Central took the lead 7-0.
After Davis intercepted an Allison pass on the 32-yard line, the Hornets running back Ryan Evans followed with a 32-yard rushing touchdown with under three minutes. The increased score was 14-0 until the quarter ended.
East Central scored three touchdowns in the second, two more in the third, and one in the fourth while controlling the defensive line to eliminate any ground game from the Pirates.
A few bright spots came for Pass Christian during the third quarter, with the Pirates defensive back Josh Stinson recovering a fumble with 8:32 left in the quarter. Sophomore running back Montrel McGowan ran straight through the middle for a 60-yard touchdown. Once kicker Davin Klein converted the extra point, the Pirates put their only scores.
“We’ve gotta get better,” said Pirates Coach Wittmann. “We’re a young team, need to mature from this and get in the weight room to get bigger and stronger.”
Pass Christian hosts Moss Point High School next week at 7pm.
