Royals rush to victory over Homestead

The REPORTER

Fast and steady won the race for Hamilton Southeastern Friday, as the Royals won a Class 6A Sectional 4 semifinal game at Homestead 20-14.

Southeastern was fast on the ground, racking up 343 yards of rushing. The Royals scored in each quarter to take a 17-0 lead after three periods, then held off a comeback from the Spartans in the fourth.

Hugo Belmonte got HSE on the board in the first quarter with a 36-yard field goal. The Royals’ AZ Wallace increased that lead to 10-0 by making a five-yard touchdown run late in the second period, with Belmonte getting the extra-point kick.

Southeastern got a passing touchdown midway through the third quarter, as Chandler Weston connected with Liam Boyd for a six-yard score. Belmonte was good on another extra-point kick.

Homestead got its first points early in the fourth quarter with a 22-yard touchdown throw. Belmonte gave HSE three more points with a 28-yard field goal. The Spartans cut into the Royals’ lead some more with a 15-yard touchdown pass at the 3:29 mark. But the Royals held on, with Wallace making a nine-yard run on fourth-and-1 to get Southeastern a first down. Wallace made another first down run seconds later to clinch the win.

Brennan Baker totaled 138 yards rushing, while Wallace gained 126 yards. Weston completed eight of 15 passes for 117 yards; Liam Boyd caught five of those passes.

Southeastern is 7-3 and hosts Fishers next Friday for the Sectional 4 championship.