Hamilton Heights gave it a good battle at Mount Vernon on Friday, but the Marauders took control in the second quarter and sent the Huskies to a 44-23 loss in their season opener.
Heights played Mount Vernon even in three of the four periods. In fact, the Huskies led 14-7 after the first quarter thanks to two quick touchdown passes from Isaac Wilson. Brent Pennington caught the first one from 25 yards out, then Camron Knott scored on a 13-yard TD reception.
Heights extended its lead to 16-7 just 10 seconds into the second quarter on a safety. But Mount Vernon took over after that, scoring 22 unanswered points to take a 29-16 lead into halftime.
Deshawn King got the Huskies within 29-23 when he took a 52-yard interception return into the end zone early in the third quarter. But the Marauders finished the period with a touchdown and two-point conversion, going up 37-23 with seven seconds left in the period. Mount Vernon added its final touchdown on a one-yard run late in the fourth.
The Marauders’ defense kept Heights’ ground game in check, only allowing the Huskies seven yards rushing for the game. But Heights outgained Mount Vernon in passing yards, 213-201. Wilson had a nice game, completing 9 of 18 passes for 146 yards and the two touchdowns. Camron Knott led in receptions with five. King was the leading rusher for the Huskies with 21 yards.
Heights will play its home opener next Friday, welcoming North Montgomery for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
MOUNT VERNON 44, HAMILTON HEIGHTS 23
Score by Quarters
Heights 14 2 7 0 – 23
Mount Vernon 7 22 8 7 – 44
Team Stats HH MV
First Downs 8 12
By Rush 4 8
By Pass 4 1
By Penalty 0 3
Rushes-Yards 27-7 37-231
Yards Passing 213 201
Comp-Att-Int-TD 14-35-1-2 14-26-3-4
Fumbles-Lost 0-0 3-2
Penalties-Yards 7-45 6-55
Punts-Average 7-33.9 2-38.5
Heights Scoring
First Quarter
5:41 – Brent Pennington 25-yard pass
from Isaac Wilson (Michael Lecher kick)
4:15 – Camron Knott 13-yard pass from Wilson (Lecher kick)
Second Quarter
11:50 – Safety
Third Quarter
7:44 – Deshawn King 52-yard interception return (Lecher kick)
Heights individual stats
Rushing: King 2-21, Collin Denham 5-10, Blake Webel 4-10, Guy Griffey 2-5, Nate Hulen 2-1, Knott 1-minus 4, Wilson 11-minus 16.
Passing: Wilson 9-18-146, Griffey 5-17-67.
Receiving: Knott 5-104, Pennington 3-44, Denham 3-12, Ethan Rodriguez 1-55, King 1-4, Blake Johnson 1-1.