Photo by Max Gallagher

Sept. 20. By Ryan Moxon. Big plays on offense, hard-fought wins in the trenches and a penchant for penalties have marked the beginning of Hough’s season, and all three were on display early Friday night as the Huskies dropped New Bern 63-15 en route to a 4-0 record.

Hough opened the game with two false starts on the same play and an offensive holding call on the next, before sophomore running back Jamarion Morrison broke free for an 80-yard touchdown run.

On the next possession, senior standout Micah Bright returned an interception for a touchdown to give Hough a 14-0 lead.

The Huskies’ defensive line was dominant, with New Bern only able to gain decent yardage on broken plays, including one that led to a touchdown late in the first quarter to narrow the score to 17-7.

A second-quarter run by junior quarterback Ethan Royal advanced the ball deep into New Bern territory but was called back for holding. The Huskies responded with another long run and a six-yard touchdown pass from Royal to go up 24-7, and the rout was on.

Hough posted 465 yards of total offense, its highest total of the season. The defense held the Bears to 230 total yards.

Junior receiver Jahmere Anderson led all receivers with 104 yards. The Huskies rushed for 156 yards, led by Morrison.

Royal, who looks more comfortable under center each week, was 11-of-20 passing for 305 yards and four touchdowns. He added 27 yards rushing.

The Huskies face their first conference matchup this season when they take on West Mecklenburg at 7 p.m. on Friday.