Ty’rese Hunt (25) is congratulated by teammate Tyrese Cauley after scoring a touchdown Thursday at West Henderson.
HENDERSONVILLE – Defense proved to be the deciding factor for Hendersonville in Thursday night’s 28-12 win at West Henderson.
The Henderson County rivals kicked off Week 2 of high school football with a hard-fought game determined by tough defense and costly turnovers. The stands were nearly full at the Falcons’ Johnson Field for a game televised live by WMYA-TV (40).
The win was Jim Sosebee’s first as a head coach for Hendersonville. Sosebee was proud to see his team win on such a high level Thursday night.
“It’s a great atmosphere for our guys,” Sosebee said. “It’s an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives.”
The Falcons (1-1) were able to keep the game close during the first half with a 96-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Brandon Whitaker to junior Dalton Cole, along with an 82-yard rushing touchdown from senior Kyler Stocks. However, fumbling problems and interceptions throughout the game would hurts West Henderson as its opponent would capitalize by scoring off of the turnovers. Whitaker was able to pass for a total of 159 yards, completing 6-16 passing attempts, and senior Peyton Frisbee also helped lead the team with 70 yards rushing.
Falcons coach Paul Whitaker believes the turnovers cost his team late in the game.
“We need to get better in all phases of the game, we can’t keep turning the ball over and expect to be in the ball games,” Whitaker said.
“We will go back tonight and watch film, and we come in Monday and get ready for North Buncombe.”
Hendersonville’s Tykel Landrum.
The Bearcats (1-1) were led by wide receiver Tykel Landrum who had seven catches for 112 yards (including a 49-yard touchdown reception), two carries for 18 yards, and a pair of interceptions on defense to seal the game, all while battling cramps throughout the game. Quarterback Alex Williford passed for 156 yards, completing 13 of his 25 attempts. He also rushed for two touchdowns. Ty’rese Hunt ran for 27 yards and added a rushing touchdown.
“It feels really good to get the win, we worked hard all week for this,” Landrum said. “I am just helping out the team, even when I am tired I am still playing hard.”
Hendersonville will look to build on their strong performance next week at home against East Henderson. West Henderson has a bye week coming up before traveling to North Buncombe.
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