The Sudan Hornets’ varsity football team survived a late surge from the Ropesville Eagles on Friday, 42-35, to improve to 1-1 in district play.
With the win, the Hornets move to 5-3 overall on the season.
Ropes struck first in the opening quarter, as quarterback RJ Medrano connected with Trevor Russell for a 28-yard touchdown pass. The PAT was good, putting the Eagles out in front, 7-0. The Hornets would answer the score, as senior running back, Rustin Penrod, broke free for a 68-yard touchdown run. The PAT by Abram Rodriguez was good, tying the game, 7-7.
Sudan would pull ahead before the end of the quarter, as Callen Cannon broke free for a 49-yard touchdown to make the score, 13- 7, as the first quarter came to a close. In the second quarter, senior
In the second quarter, senior quarterback, Bode Box, found senior receiver, Lane Wilson, for a 54-yard touchdown pass to make the score, 21-7, after the two-point conversion.
Medrano would score on a twoyard run for Ropes to cut into the lead, making the score, 21-14. However, before halftime, Box hit Wilson again, this time for a 28- yard touchdown through the air to make the score, 29-14, after the two-point conversion, heading into the locker room at halftime.
The score stood through the third quarter, but in the fourth quarter, Ropes broke through, on a three-yard touchdown run by Medrano, cutting the lead to, 29- 22, after the two-point conversion.
Penrod would find the endzone once more, on a 34-yard touchdown run, followed by the PAT by Rodriguez to extend their lead back out to, 36-22, but Ropes would not go away, as Medrano punched in a four-yard touchdown run to make it a one-score game, 36-29.
Cannon got free again for the Hornets, racing to the endzone for a 49-yard touchdown run to make the score, 42-29. Ropes answered, as Medrano hit Brady McCombs who caught a tipped pass in the endzone for the 15-yard touchdown, but the Hornets were able to hold off the late comeback attempt by the Eagles, 42-35.
The Hornets totaled 478 yards of offense, including 355 rushing yards and 123 passing yards.
Box finished the game eight-of-11 passing for 123 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 19 carries for 80 yards. Penrod led the rushing attack
Penrod led the rushing attack with 12 carries for 162 yards and two touchdowns, while Cannon tallied eight carries for 120 yards and two touchdowns.
In the receiving game, Wilson led all receivers with four catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns, while Garison Bohler added two catches for 13 yards and Josue Cervera finished with one catch for 10 yards.
Defensively, Beto Diaz, led the team in tackles with five solo and four assists, including one tackle for loss. Penrod and Wilson each had four solo tackles and combined for 13 assists.
The Hornets will be taking on Smyer on Friday as District play continues.
Kick-off is set for 7 p.m.