It’s Raining and Pouring, but the Hornets Keep Scoring

The Saline Hornets football team went on the road for the first time this year. The team faced off against the Lincoln Railsplitters in what became a cool, rainy evening: perfect high school football weather.  Saline (2-1) jumped ahead early using a number of players and never looked back on the way to a 41-7 thumping of Lincoln (2-1).

“It’s part of our system, to spread the ball around and not get caught where we’re predictable. We’ve got the ability to hit different people and use all the weapons,” said head coach Mike Glennie.

The Hornets used all aspects of their offense in the first half to establish a solid lead. Gage Hammond (6 rushing attempts, 92 yards and one touchdown) returned the opening kickoff to the 46 yard line, and the rout was on. Saline’s first scoring came on a Dylan Mulder field goal to put them up 3-0. Quarterback Reece Dils (11-18 passing for 106 yards, one rushing and one passing touchdown) 1-yard keeper on the goal line was the first Hornet touchdown of the night, followed by a Derek Owings (6 catches, 88 yards and 1 touchdown) 16-yard touchdown reception to raise the score to 17-0 with 1:39 in the half.  The ensuing kickoff would yield Lincoln’s only points of the night on a 98-yard Rare Williams return for a touchdown. The Hornets added another Mulder field goal before the horn to go in at half up 20-7.

The rain came along with the second half. Saline’s defense came out and turned Lincoln away quickly, forcing a three and out to start the third quarter. Hammond started the second half fireworks with a 26-yard touchdown run, followed by Justin Barnes’ (20 rushing attempts, 97 yards and one touchdown) 3-yard score on a fourth and goal.  Andrew Butcko would wrap up the Hornets scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run with 5:27 left in the game. The defense, which recovered two fumbles, would hold off the Railsplitters to finish up 41-7.

“We talk about taking care of the football and valuing the ball. We stressed that throughout practice. I think, defensively, it’s being physical and flying to the football. Fortunately, a couple popped out and went our way, and we did what we’ve been told,” said Glennie.

The Hornets travel to Pioneer on Friday, Sept. 16 to open up SEC Red play.