Wildcats Thrash Raiders in 44-0 Blowout

The Hale County Wildcats took home the County Trophy in a 44-0 rout of the Greensboro Raiders.

"Obviously, you know, it's always good to win, win big rival game like this. Important for the community. Really proud of the way that our kids came out and competed tonight. I still don't think we played very well at times, but certainly played well enough to be successful and proud of our kids." said Hale County head coach Ryan Locke. "Montevallo [HCHSs week 3 opponent] is a very well coached football team, coach Bo and I have a lot of respect for each other. We've coached against each other numerous times at numerous places. I have a lot of respect for their program and we got a lot of work to do, but I'm proud of our kids, happy for our community. Happy that we're able to bring the trophy for Hale County back to Moundville."

The game was in the Wildcats favor from the get-go, being granted excellent field positioning after the Raiders attempted to spring a surprise onside kick at the beginning of the game. Hale County's Braylon Small punched it in from the goal line five plays later.

On the ensuing Greensboro drive, the Raiders offense lost a net total of 15 yards, being forced to punt from their own 20. Then, the first omen of what was to come struck; the snap sailed over Greensboro punter Jarrious Moore's head, resulting in a safety.

After getting the ball back, the Wildcats went on a grueling 15-play drive ending in a four-yard Omad Witherspoon rushing touchdown.

On the next Greensboro drive, they went three-and-out, punting from its own 31. Once again, the punt was blocked, this time being scooped up by the Hale County special teams for a touchdown, giving the Wildcats a 23-0 lead in the first half.

A few series later, after a Hale County turnover on downs and a Greensboro punt, Hale County's Erius Hamilton took a house call from the Raiders 22 to put the final nail in the coffin.

The Wildcats scored one more time on a scoop-and-score to make it a 38-0 ballgame at halftime.

Hale County scored again, somehow finding the end zone on another scoop-and-score after it appeared the Greensboro ball carrier had been brought down; a Hale County defender had the ball in the end zone. After deliberation, the referees ruled the play a Hale County touchdown.

The Wildcats took home the County Trophy in beatdown fashion, winning the game 44-0

The win became even more impressive for Hale County when it was announced that former Alabama basketball star and current New Orleans Pelican Herb Jones was in the house supporting his Alma Mater Wildcats.

Greensboro is set to take on Sumer Central next week as the team still looks for its first win on the season.

Hale County is gearing up to play Montevallo in a heated regional matchup.

For more Alabama High School Football content from Simon Besnoy, follow him on X/Twitter at @Simonbez1 and stay tuned to Tide1009.com for daily news.

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