by Tyrone Bowers, Contributing Writer

GULFPORT (GG) — On Friday, September 4, the West Harrison football team gave its fans a Homecoming to remember. They defeated the Forest Bearcats 37-19, in a matchup between rushing attack and aerial assault.

The Hurricanes came out with renewed energy after a dismal season opener. Less than a minute after the Star-Spangled Banner, the Hurricanes were up 7-0 after a highlight run by Nayshawn Crawford. The defense joined the party with an interception by defensive back Dean Hunter.

Another rushing score by Julian Chong put West Harrison up 14-0.

The Bearcats did not go down quietly as they had two receiving TDs by Caden Estelle and Ahmad Summers, Jr. from Quarterback Jakari Patrick. A missed extra point put the score at 14-13 after the first quarter in favor of West Harrison.

The only scoring done in the second quarter was another rushing TD by Chong and a safety by West Harrison defender Kenthony Townsend for a halftime score of 23-13.

However, not everything went right for the Hurricanes in the first half. They missed out on several scoring opportunities due to several fumbles. They were dealing with their back-up centers due to their starting center going down with an injury.

In the third quarter, both teams traded scores; as Nayshawn Crawford adding another rushing TD for West Hurricane and  William Craft had an amazing QB scramble for Forest.

Forest’s extra point attempt was blocked and the third quarter ended with a score of 30-19.

In the closing minutes of the game, Collin Lyons added another rushing TD for the Hurricanes for the final score of 37-19.

The win snapped the Hurricanes losing streak at three games (dating back to last season) and the loss snapped the Bearcats winning streak at 4 games (date back to last season, not including the playoffs).

Both teams’ records stand at 1-1 and will be on the road next week. The Hurricanes will battle the Gautier Gators while the Bearcats will face off against the Perry Central Bulldogs.

(Photos by Aimee Cronan/The Gazebo Gazette via Associated Press)