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Courtesy photo John Alexander heads upfield to gain some yards for the Eagle Flag team.

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published: Friday, September 28, 2012

Eagles give Hornets a sting

Special to the News-Sun

DUNDEE - The Highlands Youth Football and Cheer Organization (HYFC) took to the road this week at Dundee to take on the Hornets on Saturday, Sept. 22.

The first game saw the Flag team get off to a quick start

Quarterback Julian Cardoso handed off to Fred Hankerson who broke through and crossed the goal line for a touchdown.

The offense rallied together, earning multiple touchdowns by John Alexander and Hankerson.

The defense made its' presence known and stood strong with key defensive plays by Koda Cabrera, Clayton Hooks and Willie King leading to another win for the Eagles.

The final score of 30-16 moves the team record to 4-2 and in third place in the NFC division of the Sunshine PAL- Lakeland League.

The next game featured the Mighty Mights.

The Eagles offense took the field focused and determined after last week's loss to the Bulls.

Quarterback Graisin Wheelock handed off to Taivion Coston and Alex Pollard, who rushed for several yards throughout the day.

The Eagles defense was impressive in the first half, holding the Hornets to seven points going into the break.

But the offense struggled in the second half.

And the defense, though they fought hard with solid tacking by Xavier Mobley, Ronnie Roberts and Coston, but costly turnovers and penalties thwarted all the Eagles efforts.

The final score of the 21-0 loss brings their record to 1-5, placing them in a two-way tie for third place in the division.

The third game of the day was the Pee Wee team who met a strong defensive stance from the Hornets after an early score.

The Eagles offense drove down the field, with key yardage earned by Kevin Rivera and Kasey Hawthorne resulting in a touchdown by Hawthorne.

The two-point conversion kick was also earned by Hawthorne to even things up

But the Hornets quickly responded with a score of their own, going into halftime with a 14-8 lead.

The defense came out in the second half with key tackles by Austin Oppold, Devin Brubaker, Jordan Rose, Austin Smith and Christian Ramos.

But another Hornet score lead to the second loss of the season, 20-8, bringing their record to 4-2 and dropping them to third place in the division.

Playing the fourth game was the undefeated Junior Varsity team.

The Hornets picked off the first pass of the game and converted to take an early lead 6-0.

The Eagles responded quickly when DJ Taylor returned the kickoff 65 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 6-6.

The Eagle defense quickly shut down the Hornets with Akem JnPierre getting three sacks.

In the next drive of the game, key yardage was earned by JnPierre, CJ Harris and running back Rafael Smith, who rushed for 35 yards into the end zone for the second score of the day to make the halftime lead 12-6.

The JV defense dominated the field in the second half with sacks by JnPierre and key tackling by Smith, Jalen Williams and Landen "J-Rob" Robinson.

A key interception by AJ Robinson helped shut down the Hornets for the day.

During the next drive, quarterback Norris "Fish" Taylor handed off to Williams for another Eagle score, with Smith earning the extra point. The 19-6 win keeps the team undefeated at 6-0 and in first place in the division.

The Varsity team earned a victory by forfeit, bringing their record to 6-0 and first place in the division.

The Lady Eagle cheerleaders did a great job cheering the boys on and keeping the crowds spirited.

All in all, it was a another great day of football for the HYFC organization.

The Eagles will be on the road again this week to face the Fort Meade Miners on Saturday, Sept. 29

Games will begin at 9 a.m.

Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for children.

Come on out to support the Highlands Youth Football and Cheer program.