Hampton was unable to counter a quick offensive start on Friday night.
The Bulldogs dropped a 27-14 decision to Rockwood in the opening round of the TSSAA Class A playoffs at Orr Field. With the loss, Hampton’s season comes to an end with a 9-2 mark.
Hampton opened the scoring on the first drive of the game as J.J. Cable scored on a 20-yard run to give HHS an early 6-0 lead – a drive that was set up after the Bulldog defense forced a Rockwood fumble on the opening play from scrimmage.
The Tigers, however, scored on their next three drives with Jayden Davidson scoring on a 73-yard run, Adrian Darby scoring on a 50-yard run, and Davidson scored on a 32-yard run. That gave Rockwood a 21-6 lead early in the second.
Hampton looked poised to strike in the closing minutes of the half, but was unable to cut into the lead.
The Bulldogs’ offense cut into the Rockwood lead to open the third quarter with a 10-play 68-yard drive. The drive was capped as Isaiah Belcher scored on a two-yard run. Peyton Townsend added the two-point conversion.
Hampton’s defense held strong on the next drive, but the teams traded points as the Bulldogs trailed 21-14 after three complete quarters.
The Bulldogs continued to battle in the final quarter, but were unable to cut back into the Rockwood lead.
Belcher led the Bulldogs with 73 yards on 13 carries, while Cable had 57 yards on three carries. Townsend added 38 yards.
Connor McKinney had 63 passing yards – 33 to Sage Milhorn and 30 to Brock Shelby.
Davidson had 11 carries for 134 yards to pace Rockwood. Darby had 15 carries for 89 yards. Aiden Amonett went 5-of-9 passing for 104 yards and added a fourth-quarter rushing touchdown to account for the final score.
For more photos or to purchase, click here.
