The Hiram Hornets closed out their gridiron season Friday night at home in a tough fashion as the Kell Longhorns came to the nest with the sole purpose of keeping their winning ways going in their march to the playoffs. With only one region loss blemishing their record the Longhorns prevailed over the Hornets 31-6.
The game started well for the Hornets as they forced a punt from Kell and took their opening possession and marched 61 yards in just 6 plays as Marcel Murray went off left tackle from 4 yards out to put the Hornets on the board first. The extra point attempt failed. The Hornets led 6-0 at the end of the 1st quarter.
The Longhorns rallied in the 2nd quarter posting 17 points . The Hornets were able to move the ball well however but were unfortunate as 2 field goal attempts missed the mark. So the Hornets trailed at the half 17-6. The only score in the 3rd quarter came as a result of special teams play as the Longhorns blocked a Hornet field goal attempt and linebacker Solon Page III scooped up the ball and dashed 65 yards for the score. Kell closed out the scoring in the 4th quarter with a touchdown pass of 6 yards.
Kell moves on to the playoffs as the #3 seed in this tough region and will travel to play Southwest Dekalb in the first round next Friday.
The Hornets were led by their steady ground game combo of Elijah Hairston and Marcel Murray who combined for 130 yards in the loss. The Hornets closed out their season with a 4-6 record in a very tough region. Next year should be an improvement as the Hornets will return several starters on offense and defense that will have valuable playing time under their belt for the 2017 campaign.

Hornet Senior Dog LB Cardell Felder rustles the Longhorn QB for a big loss.Hornet sophomore QB Nathan Presnell scrambles for a big gain.Angry Hornets swarm the ball carrier in a tough goal line defense.