Dudley extends winning streak over rival Hillside

Dudley and Hillside played one that will keep fans talking about this I-85 rivalry for some time.

The Panthers (4-0) rallied from an eight-point, fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Hornets (2-1) 32-26 for their fourth straight win of the season.

With Hillside leading 20-12 heading into the fourth quarter, Dudley linebacker Zareik Rush intercepted Hillside quarterback Cameron Self and returned the ball 29 yards for a score. A failed two-point attempt left the Hornets up 20-18.

Hillside extended its lead on a 15-play, 65-yard drive that used up almost seven minutes. QB Randy Trice sealed the deal with a 1-yard plunge on fourth down to put the Hornets up 26-18 with 3:49 left.

But the Panthers struck right back when D.J. Crossen returned the kickoff 90 yards to tie the game after a 2-point conversion. Dudley scored the winning TD with 25.7 seconds left when QB Hendon Hooker found Ezra Perkins from 25 yards out.

The Panthers hit the scoreboard first with a four-play 62-yard drive that culminated in junior running back Rush’s 6-yard scamper, but the PAT was wide right.

Undaunted, the Hornets needed one play – a 72-yard strike from quarterback Randy Trice to Caleb Harrington to take a 7-6 lead with 7:48 left in the first quarter.

But the track meet was on.

Dudley used a big play of its own, QB Hernon Hooker’s 35-yard TD pass to Thomas Young, to retake a 12-7 margin after a 2-point attempt failed.

After a two-possession drought by both teams, Hillside’s special teams got into the mix when linebacker Nelson picked up a fumble and rumbled 60 yards to put the Hornets ahead 14-12 and into the end of the first half.

TURNING POINT

Trailing 20-12 and with Hillside seemingly in control, Perkins’ interception of Self changed the momentum of the game.

THREE TO KNOW

Dudley’s special teams play in the fourth quarter was the difference maker.

Dudley QB Hendon Hooker threw for over 200 yards and kept Hillside off balance with his scrambling skills.

Trice scored two TDs – one passing, one running – to keep Hillside in the game.

BY THE NUMBERS

138: Points Dudley’s offense had scored in its first three games versus 13 for its opponents.

0: Sacks allowed by Dudley’s offensive line in the first half.

This story was originally published September 9, 2016 at 11:22 PM with the headline "Dudley extends winning streak over rival Hillside."