Mt. Olive routes Loyd Star on the back of Hubbard and strong defense

There are times that players rise to the occasion and take over games. You can check that box next to Quandarius Hubbard's name after week one's route of Loyd Star.

The sophomore rushed for three touchdowns in the first half of action, along with recovering a squib kick in the second quarter. Combine that with a shutout from the defense and the Pirates start the season 1-0 after defeating Loyd Star 26-0. 

Head coach Dante Durr was vocal about giving praise to his young sophomore athlete. 

"The line blocked well for him, but he would see a hole, put his head down, and get to the endzone."

Not to be denied the spotlight was the Pirate defense who forced a shutout of Loyd Star. Along with the shutout, the defense tightened up, forcing a turnover on downs near the end of the half in the red zone. Javeon Gordon also came up big with under two minutes remaining in the game with an interception. Durr said he knew what to expect from head coach Brian Ford's Hornets. 

"We practiced for them all week. We knew they would play smash-mouth football. Coach Ford has a great group and we knew he was going to try and run right at us. I've been telling my kids all week we have to be physical and ready to play."

Durr also praised his offensive line who played extremely well throughout the game. 

"I've got to give praise to our offensive line. We started two freshmen and two seniors. I think they did a great job stepping up to the plate to face a big 2A team." 

Loyd Star will look to regroup as they go on the road to face McLaurin. Mount Olive will also head out on the road to face Mize. 

Momentum Change: 

Already ahead by double-digits, Hubbard recovered a squib kick with just over three minutes left in the first half. That lead to his third and final touchdown of the night to go up 18-0. 

Player of the Game:  

Sophomore Quandarius Hubbard had three touchdowns, a squib kick recovery, and a two-point conversion in Thursday night's win versus Loyd Star. 

Quote of the Night:

"What did we say in the preseason? We are going to show them we are not the stepping stone of 1A football no more!"

Photos from tonight's game can be viewed and purchased here.