While it wasn’t a pretty night for the Hopkinsville offense, the Tiger defense made a statement in their 23-12 win at Calloway County Friday in Murray. The win snapped a four-game losing streak by the Tigers.
Hopkinsville got 160 yards and three touchdowns on the ground from Ellis Dunn. He also had a punt return for a touchdown called back due to a penalty. Hoptown had six turnovers in the contest, twice fumbling inside the Calloway 10-yard line. Tiger running back JaTorion Dillard also had a rushing touchdown called back due to a penalty.
Dunn scored his first touchdown of the night on the first play of the second quarter.
Calloway County answered on a 34-yard touchdown reception by Luke Schwepker on the next drive.
Facing 4th-and-1 at their own 25, Calloway opted to go for it, but a penalty moved it back five yards. The Lakers opted to punt, but the play fell apart when the snap went over the punter’s head and into the end zone where he was tackled for a safety.
Up 9-6, Hoptown appeared to extend their lead but Dunn’s punt return for a score was negated due to a flag.
Dunn scored on runs that counted in the third quarter covering 43 and eight yards to put the Tigers ahead 23-6.
Schwepker quickly answered with a 60-yard touchdown catch, but the Lakers would get no closer. It was one of the few blemishes for the Tiger defense, led by Denarius Barnes who had 17 tackles and two sacks.
Hopkinsville improved to 2-6 on the season and 1-2 in district play. With Warren East’s win over Allen County-Scottsville Friday, that means the Tigers will travel to Warren East in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year. Hoptown won last year’s game 21-7.
The Tigers will host Hopkins County Central Friday at the Stadium of Champions.
