Photo by Max Gallager

By Ryan Moxon — The hype surrounding Friday night’s showdown between the state’s top two teams lasted about a half of a quarter before the Hough Huskies reminded everyone why they are the defending 8A champions — and why they are the team to beat again this season.

Hough, ranked No. 1 in the state, pulled away early from No. 2 Providence Day on a hot and humid Friday night, turning a matchup billed as the game of the year into another convincing Huskies victory, 30-3.

The Crusaders struck first, taking a 3-0 lead on a field goal after Hough turned the ball over on downs on fourth-and-goal during its opening possession. But Hough answered quickly.

With just over eight minutes left in the first quarter, quarterback Ethan Royal connected with wide receiver Josh Autry for a 46-yard completion that moved the Huskies to the Providence Day 24-yard line. Royal finished the drive himself, scrambling 20 yards for a touchdown and giving Hough its first lead at 7-3.

The Huskies’ defense then turned the game in a hurry.

Just over a minute later, defensive back Davion Jones intercepted a Providence Day pass and returned it to the 10-yard line. Royal needed only one play to capitalize, finding wide receiver Jamarion Morrison for a touchdown and a 14-3 advantage.

Providence Day’s problems continued on its next possession when Caleb Dorsett recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown. Suddenly, a game that had been billed as a clash between two elite teams was beginning to look very familiar for Hough.

The Huskies added a 29-yard field goal by Cole Johnson before halftime, taking a 24-3 lead into the break.

Providence Day never found an offensive rhythm. The Crusaders opened the second half with their backup quarterback under center and a punt after Hough’s Kash Johnson and Jones recorded back-to-back sacks, followed by Jones pass deflection.

Hough continued to pull away in the third quarter, driving down the field before Royal connected with wide receiver Mason Pearsall-Brown for a 36-yard touchdown and the final tally of the game.

For Hough, the victory was another statement in a season that increasingly looks like a familiar story: dominant defense, explosive plays and a Huskies offense that has proven difficult to contain.

Hough improved to 3-0 and will travel to Mooresville next Friday night.