3A Team of the Week: Hardin Hornets

Hardin may have dropped down from 3A Division I to 3A Division II over the offseason, but that change didn’t make life any easier for the Hornets.

Their first district opponent this year? A Newton team that had not lost a district game since September 30, 2011.

The Hornets were not fazed. They found themselves trailing 24-18 with under a minute to go.

Facing fourth down on the 14-yard line, quarterback Kolton Bishop stepped up to avoid the pressure, drew a defender, and flipped it right over him to a wide-open Jayden Phelps for the game-tying score with just 11 seconds left.

Kicker Justin Avila booted through the extra point and Hardin had a signature 25-24 win, snapping Newton 85-game district win streak.

Bishop threw for 92 yards and two scores, while also rushing for 80 yards and a touchdown. Phelps had three catches for 53 yards, and Jayden Bell had two catches for 23 yards and a touchdown.

The win vaulted Hardin up to No. 7 in the 3A Division II standings. The Hornets sit at 4-2 and 1-0 district play heading into this Friday’s contest at home against Kountze.

Previous 3A Teams of the Week

Week One: Maypearl

Week Two: Cameron Yoe

Week Three: Shallowater

Week Four: Sabine

Week Five: Tatum

Week Six: Dalhart