Pearl River Central dominated the line of scrimmage and whipped East Central 28-12 on Friday night at Hendrix Stadium.
Pearl River Central earned its fourth victory against two defeats and improved to 1-1 in Region 4-5A play. The Hornets, who led for most of the first quarter, fell to 4-2 overall and 0-2 in Region 4-5A.
It was PRC’s first district win since the 2008 season, two years before Eric Collins became the Blue Devils’ coach.
“We can put that aside now,” Collins said. “We talk about rungs on the ladder, as a program, and this is one of them.”
East Central led 6-0 when punter Andrew Canterberry failed to handle a high snap from center near the Hornets’ goal line. PRC needed just two plays to get in the end zone, with Bryce Spence scoring from 1 yard out with 10:24 left in the first half.
The first of four Jevon Detto’s PATs put PRC ahead for good.
“The high snap on the punt, a fumble on a toss play, we had two big turnovers,” East Central coach Marc High said. “We had some penalties that allowed their offense to get some first downs. We have to go back to the drawing board there, but give them credit.
“(PRC’s) defense did a good job of flying around and making plays.”
PRC extended its lead to 14-6 midway through the second quarter. PRC quarterback Dylan Spiers dropped the ball to Spence on a deft screen pass, and Spence followed his blockers for a 13-yard scoring reception.
The Blue Devils took control in the final minute of the first half.
PRC’s Brandon Comeaux got behind the Hornets’ coverage near the right sideline and caught Spiers’ pass in stride for a 34-yard TD reception with just 18 seconds left in the first half.
“Dylan played really well. I’m so proud of him,” Collins said. “He bounced back from the Picayune game (a 41-14 defeat). He’s a winner. The coaches and kids have confidence in him.”
Trey Wynn’s 31-yard run led to the final PRC touchdown. Spiers scored on a quarterback sneak midway through the fourth quarter.
The Hornets’ Dylan Morrison threw two touchdown passes, a 13-yard TD pass to Ethan Scott in the first quarter and a 37-yard scoring strike to Kaleb Backlin with 3:37 left in the game.
Pearl River Central is on the road to face Region 4-5A opponent West Harrison on Friday while the Hornets will play host to Gautier.