Written by JEREMIAH ARTACHO
Chapel Hill High School (3-6, 2-1) was riding high on a two-game football win streak after defeating Riverside High School and Northern High School. On the flip side, Hillside High School (5-4, 4-0) is listed as the second best team in the 4A DC 6 conference and they proved it on Friday night. Coach Ryan Horton’s team fell to the Hornets, 42-13, on its home field.
“Show up Monday, ready to work,” Horton said in the team huddle following the loss. “Ready to improve and get better. That’s gotta be our mindset.”
Coach Torrey Nowell of Hillside High School had not one, not two but three different players in the backfield lined up behind sophomore quarterback Xavier Stevenson. Nowell’s offensive attack was unlike any other Chapel Hill High School had to face prior to its matchup.
Senior running backs Christian Cook, Jayden Gray and Ameil Braswell anchored the attack. Sophomore running back Jacori Douglas also helped the offensive push when called upon.
The opening offensive drive for Hillside High School resulted in a fumble, recovered by Chapel Hill High’s senior free safety Asher Harward on a run play. Horton’s team was unable to capitalize on the forced turnover. In return, Hillside High exploded for 34 points in the first half.
Gray ran from inside Chapel Hill’s 5-yard line for a touchdown — applying the first set of points on the scoreboard during the first quarter. Stevenson also connected with freshman athlete Daniel Smith for a 20-yard passing touchdown during the first quarter as well. Braswell contributed in more ways than running the ball, receiving a strike from Stevenson at Chapel Hill’s goal line during the second quarter.
Cook ran for a 54-yard touchdown and Braswell added his own rushing score from Chapel Hill’s 5-yard line.
Despite all of the offensive power Hillside possessed, it did not have a true kicker — choosing to go for a two-point conversion after every score. Nowell’s team completed three out of its six two-point conversion attempts on the night.
“I would say, when you’re playing a team like that you have to execute,” Horton added. “You can’t have too many penalties — stuff like that. You’re not going to be successful against a good team when stuff like that happens.”
Chapel Hill High School entered the halftime break with a score of its own. Junior Sam Zimmerman connected with senior wide receiver Nik Demas on a pass — Demas ran the ball, stretching to an 80-yard touchdown.
The Tigers did not score again until its final drive of the game. Senior running back Ethan Smith ran from inside the 10-yard line for a touchdown, but a two point conversion attempt fell short after a senior Josh Roberson quarterback keeper.
The third quarter was where Chapel Hill High’s defense saw success, holding the Hornets scoreless. Horton’s team was able to get through three drives without letting up another score from its opposing offense.
Nonetheless, it was not enough to stop Cook from scoring an 86-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter — capping the scoring night for Nowell’s Hornets.
The Tigers have one last shot at victory on Friday, November 1 for its final game of the regular season. Horton’s team will host East Chapel Hill High School (3-6, 1-3) led by coach Larry Stroud. Per usual, the kickoff is set to 7:00 p.m.
“Hopefully, preparing and seeing your preparation payoff in a win,” Horton said about the matchup against East Chapel Hill.
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