Hornets Dominate Homecoming Game with 54-6 win

By: Shelia Mader

The Cottondale Hornets capped off their homecoming week in style with a decisive 54–6 victory over the young Vernon Yellowjackets.

Cottondale wasted no time setting the tone, lighting up the scoreboard with 40 points in the first quarter. That early surge allowed the bench to get some well-earned live-game action for the remainder of the night. Vernon avoided the shutout with a third-quarter touchdown, but the game was firmly in Cottondale’s hands from start to finish.

Senior quarterback Nick Heinemann went three-for-five through the air, racking up 114 yards and three touchdowns. Sophomore John Ross Green also saw playing time, connecting on both of his pass attempts for 19 yards, an encouraging preview of what’s to come next season.

Among the receiving corps, Trashonn Collins led with a 64-yard touchdown reception, while Tramond Collins hauled in two catches for 50 yards.

The Hornets’ ground game was equally impressive. Zacarius Collins and Trasiph Mullins each rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown, Collins on two carries and Mullins on one. Taishawn Morant added three carries for 59 yards and a touchdown, while freshman Forrest Folsom made the most of his opportunities with six carries for 19 yards.

On conversions, Tyler Jones led the team with three, while Zacarius Collins and Mullins each added one.

With the homecoming celebration behind them, the Hornets now turn their focus to an inner-county matchup against Graceville. Cottondale will travel to face the Tigers on Friday night, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m.