By Alex Benzegala
Panhandle Post
For the second straight week to start the season, Hemingford had to overcome first half adversity, but ultimately made enough plays on both sides of the field to edge a tough Sutherland team 26-18 at home.
It was a picture-perfect start for the Bobcats as Cody Galles scored on a 56-yard touchdown run to give Hemingford a 6-0 lead.
Sutherland answered with long touchdowns of their own, a 54-yard run and a 46-yard pass give the Sailors a 14-12 lead going into the 2nd quarter.
The Bobcats earned the lead back in the 2nd quarter with two straight 4-yard TD runs courtesy of Ryan Ragsdale and Talon Payne.
A 42-yard TD by Sutherland and failed 2-point conversion ended the first half with Hemingford in front 20-18.
Hemingford's defense dominated the 2nd half by shutting down the Sailors and keeping them out of the endzone. The Bobcats offense was largely contained as well, but they added one more touchdown in the 3rd quarter on a 53-yard-long rushing touchdown by Zane Feist to take a 26-18 lead. There were no more points in the 4th and Hemingford improved to 2-0 on the season, while Sutherland fell to 0-2 after two consecutive close losses.
Hemingford's 2-0 start is their best since 2015, a year when Hemingford started 3-0 en route to a deep post-season run.
Hemingford will face off against a Hyannis team that has been dominant so far this season with two blowout wins to start the season. Hemingford with host Hyannis at home on Friday night at 7 p.m.