Hoggard 35 Topsail 20
Hoggard closed the regular season on a four-game winning streak as the Vikings spread the ball to its playmakers in a 35-20 result against Topsail to clinch a share of this year’s Mideastern Conference Championship.
With the win, Hoggard moved to 4-2 in the division standings and 6-5 on the year. Meanwhile, Topsail fell to 2-4 in conference and 4-7 overall.
The Pirates had a the first scoring opportunity with 8:43 to go in the first quarter, but a 39-yard field goal attempt by Jorge Gonzales hit the upright to give Hoggard possession. A punt by the Vikings gave the ball back to Topsail, but the home side forced a turnover and set up a 67-yard touchdown by Rashod Wallace with 1:52 left in the opening period.
Defense and special team energized the Vikings during Friday’s regular season finale. A blocked punt on the next possession put Hoggard in business as Tony Allen capped the drive on a one yard score just before the end of the frame to go up, 14-0.
With Hoggard in front 14-7, quarterback Josh Jones got going after the break and hit senior wideout Collin Hairr on the opening drive of the second half for a 17-yard strike to make it 21-7, with 7:22 to play in the quarter.
After defensive back Keon Bradley jumped on a fumble to get the ball back for the Vikings, Allen scored his second touchdown of the game on the final play of the period to put the game out of reach.
Allen added a 67-yard score in the fourth quarter to finish with three touchdowns on the night as Hoggard gets ready to tackle two full weeks of practice before opening the playoffs on Friday, Nov. 18.
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