Photo by Max Gallagher

By Ryan Moxon — The hype surrounding Friday night’s showdown between the state’s top two teams barely made it through the first 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.