Sept. 5. By Ryan Moxon. The Hough Huskies football team heads north on Friday riding a defense that has only allowed 10 points over its first two games and an offense that appeared to find its groove in week two.

Hough takes on Highland Springs Springers (VA) just outside Richmond in a matchup of two state powerhouses. Highland Springs is coming off a season opening blowout win against Hopewell (VA). The Springers have two state title appearances in the last three years, but are looking to rebound after a 9-4 campaign last season.

Huskies coach DeShawn Baker said keys to the game will be playing fast and physical on both sides of the ball. The game, he expects, will be decided in the trenches, which has been a hallmark of the Huskies’ first two wins.

Hough enters week three following a 35-0 drubbing of Independence and a big season-opening win against South Pointe (SC), another perennial out-of-state juggernaut.

Through week two the Huskies offense has relied on the arm and legs of junior quarterback Ethan Royal, and the skilled hands of senior receivers Jayden White and Tyran Evans.

The defense has recorded nine sacks, led by senior linebacker LJ Porter, and benefitted from the solid secondary play of seniors Micah Bright and Drew Johnson. Sophomore linebacker Ryan Peterson leads all tacklers, averaging nine per game.

Hough is ranked No. 1 in Class 8A in the Charlotte Observer’s most recent ranking of NC high school football teams.