By Senior Writer, Adam Ogburn / Twitter: @aogburn00
After losing a heartbreaker 35-33 to Frisco Memorial the week before, Rock Hill was not about to let another opportunity to pick up its first win in school history slip away from them. However, four touchdowns from Lake Dallas quarterback Brendan Sorsby meant that the Blue Hawks, who are playing their first varsity season in program history, found themselves trailing 28-14 midway through the third quarter.
After a Lake Dallas fumble, Rock Hill got itself right back in the ball game though as Sylis Ivy punched in from two yards out to cut the Lake Dallas lead to seven. Rock Hill wasn’t satisfied. The Blue Hawks threw caution to the wind and attempted an onside kick, and it paid off big time as sophomore receiver Keyoni Morrison came up with a huge recovery. Rock Hill took full advantage as quarterback Brenner Cox found paydirt on a quarterback keeper from three yards out to knot the score at 28.
The teams then traded possession back-and-forth with neither team able to find a breakthrough until the final minute. With just 15 seconds to go, Rock Hill made the game-defining play that will go down in school history. Cox dropped back and found Jayden Hall wide open across the middle of the field. Hall made an acrobatic catch before falling into the end zone for a 33-yard score that caused absolute scenes on the Rock Hill sidelines as the team celebrated the score that would go on to seal a historic 34-28 victory.
“It was a memorable and historic night for Rock Hill football,”
Rock Hill head coach Mark Humble said.
“The most impressive aspect of our comeback win was that every unit, offense, defense and special teams, made key plays in the 3rd and 4th quarter. It was truly a team win [in] every aspect and definition of team win!”
After opening Rock Hill High School just this past August, the Blue Hawks have had to learn on the fly as they played a full varsity schedule despite this being the first year of the school being open.
“This win means so much to our kids, players, coaches, staff, school and entire district because the first win is always the hardest win to get. With what has taken place in the world since last spring and what we have overcome this fall opening a school, starting all new athletic programs, and playing a varsity schedule the first year, getting our 1st win is pretty special,”
Humble said.
“It is a testament to our kids and staff in their belief, commitment, work ethic, a trust in a process and bringing their best everyday to lay a strong foundation for success.”
After this team etched itself into Rock Hill history with Friday night’s memorable victory, the Blue Hawks will look to end their season on a high when they square off against Lebanon Trail in their final regular-season contest in two weeks time
Hall’s game-winning touchdown catch (Courtesy of David Wolman): https://twitter.com/david_wolmanFWS/status/1329990289751240707
