The REPORTER
Hamilton Southeastern toughed out a season-opening win Friday, scoring in the third quarter to beat Fort Wayne Carroll 14-7 at Everwise Credit Field.
The Royals got on the board quickly in the first quarter. Quarterback Terry Walker III was responsible for the first touchdown, but as a receiver: Walker caught a 23-yard pass from Kian Kelly to get Southeastern on the board. Luke Marchionni made the extra-point kick.
The Chargers tied the game late in the second period when Eli Neuhouser scored a touchdown with a 3-yard run. Corbin Dempsey’s kick knotted the score at 7-7, and it stayed there through halftime.
After a back-and-fourth third quarter, the Royals finally moved ahead with six seconds left in the period. Walker threw four complete passes during the drive, with a 48-yard throw to Kendrick Pennybaker sending HSE to the Carroll 14. Carter Reed finished the job with a 3-yard scoring run, and Alexander Jenkins kicked in the extra point.
Southeastern’s defense took over in the fourth quarter, holding the Chargers to three three-and-outs. Carroll made one last drive with under four minutes left to get to the Royals’ 24, but Kelly made an interception. Reed rushed for one last first down to finish the game.
Walker finished 12 for 24 with 126 yards; Pennybaker had five receptions totaling 65 yards. Reed led the rushing with 46 yards.
The Royals go on the road next Friday, playing at North Central.
