Holly High vs. Strayhorn

Holly Springs had its opportunities Friday night.

“We were in the red zone three times and couldn’t punch it in,” said coach Donald Deans.

The result was a 7-0 loss at Strayhorn, evening the Hawks’ record at 2-2 on the season.

“We had some blown assignments and blown snaps,” he said. “We have a lot of young guys out there. But we have to be more focused.”

One of the best opportunities to put points on the board came early in the contest. Holly High drove to the 4-yard line but couldn’t score.

The Mustangs operated a ball-control offense.

“Our defense played good,” Deans said.

“They just ran the clock on us. They executed their game plan. We only had 36 offensive plays. We had the ball once in the third quarter.”

That’s when Strayhorn got its touchdown, which proved to be enough for the victory.

For Holly High, Josh Kimble had 13 carries for 119 yards.

Ramon Rutherford led the defense. He had eight solo tackles, six assists and one fumble recovery.

“Offensively, we are moving the football,” he said. “The red zone is the key. We have to be able to score in the red zone. That will be our emphasis in practice.”

It’s homecoming this week for the Hawks. They will host J.Z. George Friday at 7 p.m. at Sam Coopwood Park. The Jaguars are 0-4 after a 44-6 loss last week to Winona.

“I know this team will continue to work hard to improve,” Deans said. “I like the attitude of my guys. They have some fight in them.”