Hampton was quick to quell any upset bid to open up conference action.
The Bulldogs struck heavy and often, tallying over 500 yards of offense in a 62-8 victory over Cosby on Friday, Sept. 4, at J.C. Campbell Stadium in Carter County.
Hampton, who have outscored opponents 166-39 in the past three contests, moved to 3-0 on the year with the conquest while the Eagles fell to 1-1.
The ‘Dogs fired out of the gate in the first quarter with their first three possessions resulting in touchdowns from over 50 yards out with quick hits from the offense and a little ground-and-pound from the ‘hog mollies’ up front.
Jerry Lunsford got things going early with a 51-yard scamper and was followed up by a Coby Jones to Jared Wiltshire connection for 52 yards and a Jones’ 89-yard run to take a 21-0 lead into the second quarter.
Cosby looked to make things interesting on a late quarter drive in the first that spilled into the opening portion of the second. Quarterback Matt Lane hooked up with wideout Bryce Poe from 5 yards out and was able to cut into the deficit with a two-point conversion, 21-8.
Hampton’s passing attack, that accounted for 333 yards, quickly responded back with three straight passing touchdowns. Jones connected with Wiltshire (39 yards), Colton Walker (65 yards) and Jacob Chambers (43 yards) while tacking on a 90-yard interception return for a score to give the ‘Dogs a 48-8 at the half.
With underclassmen taking the spotlight in the second half, sophomore Jason Russell connected for two passing touchdowns to give the ‘Dogs the final advantage.
Jones finished the night with six touchdowns total. The senior gunslinger went 4 for 6 through the air with four TDs while adding two carries for 83 yards with a score and a TD run. Russell entered in backup duty going 3 for 4 for 134 yards and two passing scores.
Lunsford added six carries for 80 yards while Adam McClain added to the three-headed monster rushing attack with five carries for 52 yards.
Wiltshire (two receptions, 91 yards, TDs), led the receiving corp on the night. David Fleenor added a touchdown-grab for 67 yards, while Walker (one reception, 65 yards TD) and Chambers (one reception, 43 yards TD) rounding out the group.
Cosby amassed 170 yards of offense on the night. Lane finished 7 of 10 for 99 yards for the Eagles while Poe led the receivers with two catches for 42 yards. Jacob Jackson added nine carries for 42 yards on the ground.
The ‘Dogs will have time to regroup before making the trip to Sevier County on Sept. 19 to take on the Gatlinburg-Pittman Highlanders, who also sit on top of the conference with one league victory.
Kickoff for the contest is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
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