The Zizzers came out strong and fought hard against the Hillcrest Hornets, but ultimately fell 42 to 28. Some photos from the game are below, and many more are located HERE.
The Zizzers drew first blood and scored early in the 1st quarter. But then the Hornets answered back with a big drive down the field to tie the game up at 7 each. Next was a back and forth game where both teams’ defense stopped the other team from scoring. In the meantime, Andrew Wheeler (#18) had his helmet knocked hard enough to take him out of the game to sit and recover.
Then the momentum seemed to favor the Zizzers, when #16 Nichols grabbed a first down, then #33 Holloway carried for 5 and then #26 Hoopes carried for a long first down drive. End of 1st quarter, and #2 Landry Randolph was driving his team well. Hoopes comes back to grab the TD in the 2nd quarter and #20 Cressman’s extra point kick is good. Zizzers lead 14 to 7 with 9:42 in the half remaining.
And the great momentum kept going! The Zizzer defense stopped Hillcrest’s drive and Zizzer offense took over, this time with #8 Rackley (freshman) at the helm. He ran a couple of QB keepers, hand-offs to Hoopes (of course!) and a completion pass to #45 Warren (another freshman!). Hoopes carried the ball to the 1 yard line, and then carried it in for another TD. Cressman’s kick is blocked. Zizzers lead 20 to 7. And the home team is feeling great!
But then Hillcrest answers back with a long pass and TD that sucked the joy out of the moment for the Zizzers. 20 to 14 Zizzers lead. And with 50 seconds remaining in the half Zizzers receive the ball and drive it down field to get setup for a Cressman field goal attempt, which missed the mark unfortunately. Zizzers lead 20 to 14 at the half.
Next, it’s the Hornet’s turn and they capitalize on the QB scramble as the Zizzer defense attempts to slow their drive, but a scramble and pass leads to another Hornet TD. And they convert the 2 point attempt. Zizzers trail for the first time in the game 22 to 20. 9:42 remains in the 3rd quarter.
Zizzers fumble the ball on the kick off reception and the Hornets take over. This was a big play and the defense was looking tired. #4 Mahan deflects the ball, then Nichols makes a few consecutive tackles, but the Hornets were able to get the first down. And the momentum seemed to favor the Hornets now.
But the Zizzers fire it back up, capitalizing on Hornet penalties. Hoopes carries and carries. Randolph to #87 Hackworth for the completion and the first down. #33 Holloway carries, then Hoopes and the Zizzers are driving down field! But the Hornet’s defense stops the Zizzers on the 17 yard line. Then the Hornets make a huge play for a long TD run. Zizzers trail 28 to 20 with 11:30 left in the game.
The Zizzers fire it up again, but fumble! Rackley recovers it and passes to Holloway, then hands it to Hoopes for the first down. And another first down by Hoopes. Then Rackley to Hackworth, then to Hoopes for the TD! 2 point conversion is good! Zizzers tie it up at 28 points! This game is far from over with 8:30 remaining.
But the Hornets answer back and score again with a 2 point conversion. Zizzers trail 28 to 36 with 6:39 remaining. The remaining Zizzer drives would fail to complete into the end zone. And with 1:20 remaining the Hornets score again.
#2 Randolph is back at the helm and makes a terrific drive down field with only 80 seconds on the clock. Randolph to Cornish, then Randolph to Nichols, then Randolph keeps the ball. First down on the 14 yard line! 26 seconds remain! Let’s go Zizzers! But the Hornet defense holds strong. End of game. Zizzers lose 28 to 42.
The Zizzers fought hard and made some excellent drives and defensive plays, but the Hornets came out ahead when the clock ended. We are still PROUD of our Zizzers! Keep fighting boys!
