The 2019 season opener for Loyd Star saw the Hornets traveling to face the Mount Olive Pirates in Claiborne County Thursday night. Mount Olive used a strong running game to control the action as they shut out the Hornets 26-0.

Loyd Star has a young team in 2019 after graduating a large senior class last season. Mount Olive used their double wing offense to march down the field for most of the night.

The first quarter would end scoreless, but on the first play of the second quarter the Pirates scored to go up 6-0 on a run by sophomore Quandarius Hubbard.

Hubbard added another touchdown in the second quarter to put his team up 12-0. Following that score Mount Olive struck with a squib kick that was recovered by who else — Hubbard.

The sophomore Hubbard then scored his third rushing TD of the half to put his team up 18-0. Loyd Star would get into the Mount Olive red zone just before halftime but ended up turning the ball over on downs.

Mount Olive then ran the second half kickoff back to get their final score of the night.

The Hornets had opportunities over the final 24 minutes but were hindered by turnovers and penalties that stalled promising drives.

The Hornets are back on the road next week as they travel to Rankin County to face McLaurin.

Story by Dave Linton