What We Saw: Hampton County 64, Woodland 0

Wes Kerr

October 13, 2023 @ 11:39 PM

Rob Hanna's pregame message to his Hampton County Hurricanes boiled down to two commands: run the football efficiently and play tough defense.   His team couldn't have executed them any better.   With a monster five-touchdown game from phenom running back [player_tooltip player_id='239076' first='Zion' last='Dobson'], Hampton County made a statement in Varnville on Friday night in a 64-0 rout over Woodland. The victory puts the Hurricanes in the drivers' seat in Region VI-2A as they look to seal the title in Week 10 at Barnwell.    It was total domination by the ‘Canes from  the start, posting a cool 534 yards of offense while holding the Wolverines to just 31 total yards in the game.    The star of the show was Dobson, who wowed his Hurricane supporters with his signature breakaway speed combined with an outstanding level of patience and vision from the backfield. He finished with an impressive 241 yards and five touchdowns on just 18 carries, raising his season totals to 1563 yards and 21 scores through nine games. He dazzled with his patience throughout, taking his time to spot the open lane  and bursting through thanks to hard-nosed work at the line from Drake Deloach and Tyjae Wright. His last score of the night was the most impressive, using his phenomenal power and agility to elude a horde of defenders for a 30-yard score. He's taken exceptional strides from a year ago and has separated himself as one of the premier running backs in the state.   Dobson's sensational running was completed by a dynamite performance from quarterback Chris Terry and breakout freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1036756' first='Jordan' last='Bovain']. The winner of a heated quarterback battle to start the season, Terry displayed his poise and mechanics under center with a perfect play-action pass to Bovain who flew to the goal line for a 48-yard connection. Bovain has hit the ground running as a freshman, using his gifted quickness to create explosive plays in the open field and stretch the defense with his deep-ball threat. Both [player_tooltip player_id='1165165' first='Jaylen' last='Singletary'] and Xaviar Garvin took advantage of limited opportunities under center, finding the end zone on efficient runs with an excellent burst and vision downfield. It's an offense with high-end talent that is absolutely clicking at the right time.    The Hurricanes put up arguably an even better defensive performance on their home field, completely stymieing a strong Woodland attack. The run game was devoured at the line of scrimmage, as the Wolverines finished with -10 rushing yards on the night. The otherworldly effort was thanks to big man Ka'Von Chisolm, who delivered by far his best showing of the season with nonstop power and explosiveness to blow up plays behind the line. [player_tooltip player_id='1142659' first='Cody' last='Segars'] was a man possessed on the defensive side, overpowering a loaded Woodland group with several key stops early on in the game. It was this frustration created by Hampton's defense that forced multiple quick punts and built momentum on the Hurricanes' side. And there was none bigger play than the one Singletary made on defense, jumping a route perfectly on the sideline to pick off a pass on a diving effort. [player_tooltip player_id='809743' first='Mandrell' last='Sanders'] and Malachi Green displayed his unbearable motor again at linebacker with textbook sacks, and reliable senior cornerback James Dunham helped shut down the passing game with relentless coverage downfield. Hanna knew he had something special early on with a hungry and physical defensive group, and the unit continues to raise the stakes each week on the field.   Despite a rough night defensively from Woodland, DJ Blanding turned in a strong game at linebacker. His strong frame and quick pursuit helped slow down Dobson and a lethal Hurricane rushing attack. 300-pound Antonio Ford was a constant presence on the line and found ways to free himself up and make stops for minimal yardage.

Rob Hanna's pregame message to his Hampton County Hurricanes boiled down to two commands: run the football efficiently and play tough defense.