By BAKER ELLIS / Sports Editor

GADSDEN – A week after a thrilling, fourth quarter comeback gave Chelsea a 1-0 record on the young 2015 season, the Hornets carried that momentum into their second game of the year, and last tune-up before region play starts, against a tough Southside-Gadsden opponent and came out on top by a final of 43-10 to get to 2-0 on the young season.

Southside-Gadsden started the scoring off on this night, connecting on a 14 yard pass play in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead. That was the only point-producing play in the first quarter, and the Panthers took that lead into the second quarter before Chelsea began to explode.

In the second quarter, down 10-0, junior quarterback Matt Marquet found Anthony Jones for a 21-yard touchdown pass to bring the game back to 10-7, the first seven points of what would turn into a 43-0 run to end the game. Later in the quarter, Jones took a punt to the house for an 82-yard electrifying touchdown run to give Chelsea the lead at 13-10, which it took into the half, and the Hornets never looked back.

Jones continued his big night in the third quarter with a 20-yard touchdown run to extend the Hornets’ lead to 20-10 in the third quarter, and added another 4-yard score in the third as well to bring the Hornets lead to 26-10. Marquet found Jay Vickers late in the third quarter for a 30-yard touchdown reception as well, giving Chelsea a 33-10 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Tyler Thomas added a field goal and Austin Stallworth added a late touchdown to give Chelsea a big statement win.

Marquet was 7-11 throwing the ball for 86 yards, two touchdowns and no picks. Jones was the obvious MVP of the night, rushing 12 times for 43 yards and two scores as well as his 82 yard punt return for a touchdown and his 21-yard touchdown reception, Jones double up the Panthers by himself and then some. Zalon Reynolds also carried the ball 15 times for 92 yards to lead the Hornets for net yardage on the ground.

Chelsea advances to 2-0 with the win and will host Valley on Sept. 11 in its first home game and first region game of the season.