The Orange Panthers behind the alternate running threats of #11 Tarheel commit Payton Wilson and #8 Marvante Beasley plowed through a typically effective Hillside Hornet defense and  defeated the Hornets 31 – 20 Friday night in front of a Homecoming crowd at Hillside High School.    As coach Van Smith stated in post game “when you have a thoroughbred you use him,” and use Payton Wilson they did on virtually every side of the ball.  Wilson who has now shifted on offense to the quarterback position used almost backyard football running plays that simply featured one of the top area athletes literally running over any Hornet in his way churning up yard after yard through the evening.  It was most effective when used in conjunction with #8 Tailback Marvante Beasley who would consistently turn plays of no gain into ones of big yardage.  Beasley left the game early in the 3rd quarter but not before putting up 106 yards on 11 carries.  Wilson added to that rushing total with 93 yards of his own on 16 carries and 2 touchdowns.  Wilson was also 5 for 7 passing for 21 yards, had a 62 yard kickoff return called back, and 3 tackles on defense.

Beasley left the game early in the 3rd quarter when the entire stadium went silent when a hit from the Hornets left the tailback face down on the turf and not moving.  The field medical staff attended to Beasley using every precaution imaginable before transporting the Panther tailback to a nearby hospital. Great news was received later that evening when Beasley was released from the hospital and cleared to play and practice next week.  An incredibly moving moment took place during the injury when both teams joined together to pray for the Panther tailback midfield.  Hornet Head Coach Louis Harrison initiated the action setting a standard of sportsmanship that left nothing but respect for Hillside program.

Hillside quarterback #12 Randy Trice who showed college like poise through much of the game displayed an arm that will definitely be seen at the next level all night long.  Trice ended the game 12 for 22 for 204 yards, however, suffered 2 interceptions along the way.  The Hornets showed great signs of recovery and kept the contest extremely close until what appeared to be a well thrown pass was picked off by #25 Milton Purcell of the Panthers and returned for a pick six late in the 3rd quarter.  It was at that point when the Panthers took control and the final determination of the game was well in hand.

Panther defensive end #83 Ryan Sellers led the way defensively for Orange with 5 tackles, 2 of which were sacks, while Jett Satterfield earned 3 tackles on the night.

Offensive highlights for the talented Hornets outside of #12 quarterback Randy Trice included touchdown receptions by #1 Kamari Norman and wide receiver Deshaun Mitchell.  Backup quarterback #10 Damian Harris threw for 1 touchdown pass, had 1 touchdown reception, and added 16 critical rushing yards on the night.  Tailback #27 Tyhijar Green had 7 carries for 23 yards.

Defensively the Hornets were led by Defensive End David Madzivanyika  and #32 Brendan Edgerton each having 4.5 tackles.

Hillside heads to Northern next week to face the Knights in another Big 8 – 3A contest while the Orange Panthers head back to Hillsborough to host the Northwood Chargers.  That key Big 8 – 3A matchup will be broadcast as the next 97.9 The Hill’s High School Game Of The Week.

Listen to entire broadcast and relive a great night of area high school football.

Relive a great night of area high school football by seeing “Casey’s Pictures”. Over 100 photographs taken on the evening.

Hillside Hornet Coach Ray Harrison talks about the Hillside – Orange Big 8-3A Conference match up this Friday Night


Orange Panther Coach Van Smith talks about the  Orange – Hillside Big 8-3A Conference match up this Friday Night.