Hillside relies on defense

DURHAM -- Durham Hillside quarterback Vad Lee threw for one touchdown and ran for another as the Hornets knocked off the rust from a bye week and outlasted Roxboro Person 17-3 on Friday night at Russell E. Blunt Stadium.

It was a mistake-filled game; the teams combined for 25 penalties and two turnovers.

"It was very ugly," said Hillside coach Antonio King, whose squad was whistled for 14 penalties.

Luckily for the Hornets, their defense was on point, allowing just 60 first-half yards. In fact, punt returner James Thorpe was the Rockets' best offense in the first half. The senior's 35-yard punt return set his team up at the Hillside 13-yard line. They were unable to move the ball, however, and had to settle for a 34-yard field goal from Corey Zandt.

Hillside was able to match that field goal in the second quarter, marching 66 yards -- getting as deep as the Person 2-yard line -- before settling for a Grant Wilson 21-yard boot to even the score a 3-3.

On its first possession of the second half, Hillside got it going as Lee swung the ball out to DeVondray Watson, who tight-roped the sideline and sprinted for a 54-yard touchdown on the third play of the drive.

With just over 7 minutes left, the Hornets put the game away with a 15-play, 80-yard drive, as Lee scrambled then dashed to the end zone the final 21 yards for a 17-3 lead after the extra point.

Latest Comment View all comments