The Loyd Star Hornets were dressed in black pants, red jerseys and silver headgear on Friday night and had a different look from last week, but on the playing field they had the same results as they cruised by the Salem Wildcats 35-6.

Coach Brian Ford’s Hornets improved to 3-0 behind a quartet of running backs including Zach Baker, Eric Birch, Tamareo Clay and Zach Nevels.

Throw in the talented senior quarterback Dane Smith and senior receiver Logan Smith, and it was a recipe for success.

The first Hornet score came at the 7:20 mark in the first quarter with Dane Smith connecting on a 30-yard pass to Logan Smith.  Cole Carpenter would tack on the point-after kick and the Hornets led 7-0.

The Hornets would score on their next possession, a 72-yard drive that was culminated by a 1-yard run by Birch. Dane Smith would hook up with Zabien Price for the two-point conversion.

The Salem Wildcats would score on their third possession on a 23-yard run by Xabion Bridges.  The 2-point attempt failed and the Hornets led 15-6 and that would be how things stood at halftime.

The Hornets would receive the kickoff to begin the second half and would go on a 54-yard scoring drive with Birch closing out the drive with a 7-yard run.

The Hornets would force Salem to turn the ball over on downs on their next possession.  Loyd Star took over the ball at their own 35 and took it 65-yards for another touchdown that came on a 27-yard run by Nevels. Carpenter would split the uprights on the point after kick and the Hornets led 28-6.

On their next possession the Wildcats would once again turn it over on downs.  The Hornets would take their third and last possession of the second half on a 77 yard scoring drive.  Freshman Versie Wilson would take it in from 13 yards out and Carpenter would nail the point-after kick.

The Hornets would extend their lead to 35-6 which was the final score.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Hornets were led by Dane Smith and Charlie Parrett with four solo tackles and one assist apiece and senior Brock Ezell with two tackles and five assists.

Overall Coach Ford was pleased with the win but very disappointed with several things.

“We had way too many mistakes on both sides of the ball, and we didn’t execute like we need to,” said Ford.  “I was proud of the effort of guys who were forced to play both ways due to injuries.”

The Hornets travel next week to Stone Stadium to take on the Wesson Cobras.  Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Story by Ricky Myers