By Kyle LoJacono
Sunlake entered its Class 6A-District 6 football game against Hernando without a loss, but the visiting Leopards ended the perfect season on Oct. 14 thanks to the combination of their rushing assault and attacking defense.
Hernando (5-2) had 260 combined rushing yards from Tyrail Hawkins, Jeremiah Jackson and Marqui Redding. Jackson and Hawkins each had one rushing score.
Sunlake (5-1) was able to contain the Leopards ground game in the first quarter, allowing zero first downs and no points. Hernando’s offense got on track with a 10-play, 80-yard drive in the second quarter to go up 6-0. Leopard linebacker Zach Pritz intercepted Seahawk quarterback Cameron Stoltz on the ensuing drive that led to another scoring drive to take a 14-0 lead.
Stoltz hit wide receiver Jamal Jones with a 17-yard touchdown strike just before halftime to cut the lead to 14-7. Hawkins ended Sunlake’s comeback with his scoring run in the fourth quarter for the game’s final points.
Stoltz was under constant pressure from Hernando’s defense. The senior signal caller was limited to 16-of-33 passing for 161 yards and was sacked four times.
Sunlake will have to bounce back quickly, as it hosts cross-town rival and 6A-6 opponent Land O’ Lakes on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. The winner will have sole possession of second place in the district and the inside track to a playoff spot.
