Photo by Max Gallagher

Nov. 28. By Ryan Moxon. Hough outlasted West Charlotte in the west regional final by a score of 24-0 to advance to the 8A state championship football game.

The game was dominated by both defenses through much of the first half before Hough took advantage of a botched snap on a punt by the Lions in Huskies territory. Junior quarterback Ethan Royal followed a 15-yard pass to sophomore wide receiver Jamarion Morrison with a 14-yard run to open the scoring that put the Huskies ahead 7-0.

Hough opened the second half with an interception by sophomore defensive back Jonah Halloway. The turnover set up an 18-yard reception by Morrison and a Royal pass to senior wide receiver Jayden White in the back of the end zone for a 14-0 lead.

Hough’s defense forced two penalties, a near fumble and a sack on the next series. After a 25-yard punt return, senior kicker Piercion Selland converted a 35-yard field goal to extend the lead to 17-0.

The Huskies added a 65 yard rushing touchdown by Morrison in the fourth quarter to finish off the game.

Undefeated Hough will face undefeated Millbrook, which defeated Hoggard 14-7 in the east regional final, in the 8A state championship game in two weeks.