A stubborn defense and two fourth-quarter touchdowns directedthe Loyd Star Hornets to a 13-0 Friday night victory over Sumrall’sBobcats in a spring football game on William E. “Sambo” SmithField. The host Hornets got touchdown runs of 11 yards from JoshTownsend and 2 yards from Juron Collins to secure the victory andbring a conclusion to three weeks of spring drills.

Loyd Star head coach Sidney Wheatley said he was pleased withhis team’s performance. “When you practice three weeks and youfinally get to play somebody, you’re fired up. It’s good to seesome intensity.”

Many of the players from both teams had been involved in theClass 2A state baseball playoffs. Loyd Star had reached the secondround South semifinals and Sumrall had lost to Seminary in theSouth State finals two weeks ago.

Wheatley, also head baseball coach, quickly stepped from thediamond to the gridiron. He said he was looking forward to a breakfrom the action.

“Our offensive line wasn’t very aggressive but we took controlin the fourth quarter and started to wear Sumrall down,” saidWheatley. “Our defense looked good. We have a chance to be good ondefense.”

Wheatley’s Hornets kick off their season Aug. 29, against WestLincoln.

Collins, a junior this fall, and Townsend, a rising senior, gavethe large, partisan crowd a preview of a 1-2 tailback punch whichshould make a Loyd Star a division title contender again. Collinsrushed the football 14 times for 59 yards.

Townsend, limited to a minus-12 yards rushing in the first half,finished with 9 carries for 47 yards. His tackle-breaking runaround left end broke a scoreless duel with 4:04 left in the game.His 30-yard scamper in the fourth quarter was the longest run ofthe night.

The extra point kick by quarterback Justin Whatley was good andLoyd Star led 7-0.

The TD run by Townsend capped a 67-yard scoring drive in whichtempers flared. Sumrall received back-to-back 15-yard penalties,both for unsportsmanlike conduct, during the drive.

Matthew Delaughter worked a fullback and middle linebacker forLoyd Star. He gained 36 yards on 9 carries. A fumble recovery byDelaughter at Sumrall’s 43-yard line set up the second Hornettouchdown. Collins scored over left tackle.

Delaughter delivered the most impressive tackle of the night,leveling Sumrall running back Barry Entrican for a 1-yard loss,early in the third quarter.

On defense, Michael Britt intercepted 2 passes for Loyd Star.Josh Reed and Barry Roberts accounted for quarterback sacks.

Sumrall, coached by Ken Carter, finished with 70 yards rushingon 35 carries. Ray Morris Ascencio led the Bobcats with 14 rushesfor 23 yards. Entrican rushed 7 times for 18 yards.

Bobcat quarterback Allen Smith completed 1 pass for 16yards.

Loyd Star accounted for 153 rushing yards on 35 carries. TheHornets didn’t complete a pass.