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OK3Sports Football: East Central Hornets vs New Braunfels Unicorns

First Look: OK3Sports Photojournalist Olen Kelley III’s raw edit from the East Central Hornets and the New Braunfels Unicorns at New Braunfels High School in New Braunfels, TX., on Thursday, September 27, 2018.

Photo Gallery Coming Soon  – Unicorns vs Hornets– 27 September 2018

(By @shansentx210)

East Central 23, New Braunfels 12

In his third season as head coach, former Texas offensive lineman Joe Hubbard has East Central on a roll. On Thursday Night Lights, East Central went on the road and claimed a 23-12 victory over New Braunfels to move to 4-1 on the season and 2-0 in District 26-6A.

A steady combination of Michael Stephens Jr., 230-pound senior Frank Lott, and junior DeAngelo Rosemont out of the backfield wore down the Unicorns after having some success in the first half.

In the fourth quarter clinging to a 16-10 lead, the Hornets embarked on a drive from inside their own 5-yard line and milked precious seconds off the clock and scored when Stephens fumbled at the 4-yard line, which was recovered by Jordan Perry in the end zone to put the game away for the Hornets.

With :37 remaining in the first quarter, the Unicorns got on the scoreboard when Trey Johns hit junior wide receiver Bryson Dyer on a 15-yard touchdown pass to give the hosts a 7-0 lead. Johns was 3-for-3 for 64 yards on the drive to get the New Braunfels offense moving.

East Central took advantage of a New Braunfels muffed punt just before halftime, East Central found itself on the 3-yard line with three downs to punch it into the end zone. Quarterback Austin Trainer had a touchdown called back before Garcia hit a 25-yard field goal with :01 remaining before halftime to cut the deficit to four points at 7-3.

Just :25 into the second half, East Central finally broke a big run after getting a large chunk of yards on almost every carry in the first half. On the second play of the second half, junior running back Rosemont busted free on a 72-yard touchdown run to give the Hornets a 10-7 lead.

On the ensuing possession for the Unicorns, sophomore quarterback Peyton Driggers fumbled on the second play of the drive. Garcia blasted a 25-yard field goal to give the Hornets a 13-7 lead.

The Hornets forced four turnovers on the evening. Sophomore Jeremiah Stevenson recovered two fumbles for the Hornets. His strip sack and fumble recovery with 1:10 remaining sealed the victory. Thompson had a huge night at cornerback for East Central to include his interception in the third quarter to thwart a Unicorn drive.

Both teams will have their bye weeks in Week 5. In Week 6, East Central (4-1, 2-0) will host Smithson Valley (0-3, 0-1), while New Braunfels (3-2, 1-1) will travel to top-ranked Converse Judson (3-0, 1-0) on Thursday, October 11.

(By @shansentx210)

Photo Gallery Coming Soon  – Hornets vs Unicorns– 27 September 2018