After a 5-year absence, the Loyd Star Hornets are returning tothe state football playoffs. The host Hornets rallied for a 41-26Friday night victory over the visiting McLaurin Tigers, sparked bybig offensive plays on William E. “Sambo” Smith Field.

The win granted Loyd Star (4-5, 3-3) the No. 4 seed in Region6-2A. McLaurin, after leading 19-7 in the second quarter, ends itsseason at 6-4 overall and 3-3 in the region.

“This is what we’ve been working for,” said Loyd Star seniorlinebacker Josh Smith. “I’ve always believed in our team. There’stoo much heart on this team to give up.”

The Hornets will meet Bassfield, the Region 8-2A top seed Fridaynight at Bassfield. This is Loyd star’s first state playoff dancesince the 2003 season when Sidney Wheatley coached the team to a10-1 record.

Senior lineman Grant Britt said he was confident the Hornetscould erase the deficit. “We had to keep doing what we were doing.We knew we would eventually bust some big plays.”

Loyd Star chalked up several big plays against McLaurin. MarquisHayes ran 50, 14 and 69 yards for touchdowns. Tradareous Wilsonrumbled 53 and 56 yards for TDs. Antione Smith caught a 16-yardscoring pass from quarterback Joseph Shelby, reducing McLaurin’slead to 19-14 at halftime.

Wilson’s 53-yard TD run and Chris Buie’s PAT kick put theHornets up 21-19 with 8:50 left in the third quarter. Three moreHornet TDs put them ahead 41-19 with 6:32 left to play.

“I followed by blocks and I cut back,” said Hayes. “Give creditto my offensive line.”

The earth movers helped Wilson rush for 186 yards and Hayes gain169.

McLaurin coach Steve Pruett was gracious in defeat, praising theHornets. “Hand it to Loyd Star. They never gave up. They hit uswith some big plays and we didn’t have an answer for them. We justcouldn’t get it done.”

Pruett’s Tigers moved up and down the gridiron but had problemsconverting big plays. Tiger junior quarterback Michael Young (6-2,195) flexed his muscles as he passed for 2 touchdowns and rushedfor 101 yards. Several of his passes were dropped.

Loyd Star second-year head coach Ryan Ross said he was pleasedwith his team’s performance. “Our kids showed they wanted to turnthings around. They wanted to win for our school and ourcommunity.”

On defense, strong safety Preston Hebert led the Hornets with 16tackles. Antione Smith had 13 tackles, T.J. Floyd 12, AndrewRushing 11 and Travis Sorrels 9.