Harris County upends Troup in high school football. 3 things to know
Harris County should schedule more tough season openers. They suit the Tigers quite well.
After an offseason of hype surrounding the Tigers’ new pass-heavy offense, it was their defense that stole the show. They bent numerous times but rarely broke, and the result was a 28-14 opening week win over Georgia High School Association class 4A Troup at Durham Field.
5A Harris County jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead, then relied on their defense to keep the visiting Tigers at bay when quarterback Cooper Corey went down with a leg injury in the second half.
The defense surrendered points, but some timely turnovers helped Harris County notch win No. 1 on the season.
Three things we learned from the game:
Anthony Ferguson is still a force for Troup
Troup running back Anthony Ferguson was slow getting started, but he took over the game for the visiting Tigers in the second half.
Ferguson finished with 245 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and added a 35-yard catch-and-run. He was Troup’s go-to player during its second-half comeback attempt, and for good reason.
If Ferguson can keep this high a level of play, he and Troup could be in store for a special year.
Troup turnovers, Harris County defense tell the story
One thing Troup must fix immediately for a special year to happen? Turnovers.
Troup turned the ball over six times in the game, including once inside the Harris County 10-yard line when a touchdown would have tied the game.
Troup had little trouble moving the ball against Harris County, especially in the second half, but killer turnovers ruined far too many drives.
Six turnovers is difficult for even the best teams to overcome. Take those away, and Friday’s loss could’ve likely gone a different way.
Hutchinson, Corey lead Harris County offense
Corey got the night started with a 30-yard touchdown pass and a 13-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. The Tigers became more deliberate about establishing a run game in the second half, which paved the way for K.D. Hutchinson to show his talent.
Hutchinson scored touchdown runs of 28 yards and three yards, the latter of which came one play following a Troup turnover.
When Corey went down, more responsibility fell onto Hutchinson’s shoulders, and he carried the load.
How they scored
Harris County 14-0-7-7—28
Troup 0-0-7-7—14
What’s next
- Harris County travels to Perry, 7 p.m. EST Sept. 11
- Troup hosts Callaway, 7 p.m. EST Sept. 11
This story was originally published September 4, 2020 at 11:27 PM.
