Photo by Max Gallagher

By Ryan Moxon — A stout defense, big scoring plays on offense and a few more penalties than head coach DeShaun Baker would have liked all led to a familiar result in the Hough Huskies’ opening game of their state title defense.

No. 1-ranked Hough outlasted top-ranked Northwestern (S.C.) 15-10 on Saturday in Rock Hill.

Northwestern quarterback Xavier Means opened the scoring with a 76-yard rushing touchdown to give the Trojans a 7-0 lead. It would be their only touchdown of the game.

Hough responded with a 24-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ethan Royal to wide receiver Jahmere Anderson. Hough linebacker Ryan Peterson had a sack for a safety in the first half, giving the Huskies a 9-7 lead at halftime.

Northwestern added a field goal in the third quarter, but Royal responded with a 62-yard touchdown pass to Anderson. Hough failed to convert the ensuing two-point attempt, making the score 15-10.

The Huskies closed the game with a strong fourth-quarter defensive effort, including forcing a turnover on downs as time expired.

Hough will take on Cardinal Gibbons on Friday night at Bank of America Stadium in the annual Keep Pounding High School Classic.