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By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Publisher

PLANTERSVILLE – Fresh off a 138-yard, two-touchdown performance in his team’s most recent outing, Dallas County running back Kentrell Hamilton didn’t skip a beat despite a bye week before hitting the field again, putting together an even more impressive performance against Wilcox Central on Friday, Oct. 3.

The rushing leader for the Hornets carried the ball 23 times and not only topped the century mark for the second game in a row, but totaled 237 yards to help lead Dallas County to a 22-16 homecoming win.

While Hamilton’s numbers stood out, head coach Darryl Watts said it was a culmination of the week that saw the team working extremely hard to earn a homecoming win.

“We’re thrilled with the win, not just for the team, but for our entire fan base,” Watts said. “The school, community and especially our dedicated alumni deserved our best. Homecoming was special, and the energy was electric all week long.”

It also marked a second impressive showing in a row for the defense, giving up just 16 points after a 36-6 win over Sumter Central two weeks earlier.

It’s a defense that has now given up 16 or less in four of their six games this season, which gives Watts and the team even more confidence moving forward with the offense starting to gain some steam.

It’s an offensive side of the football that had scored six or less in the first four games, including two shutouts. In the two most recent games, however, the Hornets have scored 26 and 22, thanks in large part to Hamilton’s success.

In just his second start, sophomore quarterback Russell Lindsey was able to also account for two touchdowns with a 3-for-4 game featuring 41 yards to help negate two interceptions.

Devin Woods, who was impressive on both sides of the ball, was on the receiving end of one 25-yard touchdown, while Keithey Frye added a touchdown reception as well. He finished with two catches for 16 yards.

In addition to the strong rushing attack of Hamilton, Ar’Jai Jones was a perfect complement with 83 yards and a touchdown on eight carries.

It was the perfect effort for the Hornets ahead of a crucial region showdown with undefeated Thorsby looming.

The Hornets are now 2-4 on the season, but they’re 2-2 in the region, sitting in a logjam of four teams currently tied for third and fourth in the region behind Thorsby and Southside Selma.

The next three weeks will be key in determining the postseason fate for Dallas County with matchups against Thorsby, Thomasville and Hale County.

“Our focus now is on an undefeated Thorsby and the opportunity that lies ahead,” Watts said.