By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The Helena Huskies had an early mistake in their region matchup with the Dallas County Hornets that put them down 7-0, but the Huskies roared back with 31 unanswered points of their own to win decisively 31-7.

The early mistake happened with 5:05 remaining in the first quarter when Helena quarterback Riley Davis had a tough time on the exchange to the tailback. The play resulted in a fumble that Dallas County defensive end Theo Smith recovered in the end zone for the Hornets touchdown to put them up 7-0 early.

Helena would quickly respond by driving 75 yards down the field and tying the game at 7 after a nine yard touchdown run by Helena running back Devan Walker. The eight-play drive took 3:18 off the clock.

Helena head coach Watt Parker was proud of the way his team responded after early adversity, as well as how they handled another severe weather delay that halted play in the second quarter.

“We had a mental mistake and put the ball on the ground and gave them a touchdown early but our offense I thought came back and responded and matched that touchdown that we gave up,” said Parker. “I’m just real pleased with how the guys handled themselves. They didn’t get upset and didn’t start fussing at each other and I’m real happy how they handled the adversity early on.”

The only score in the second quarter came after an incredible throw by Davis and maybe even a better catch by Helena wide receiver Jake Busby. Davis connected with Busby for a 78-yard touchdown that put the Huskies up 14-7.

The Helena offense racked up 421 total yards on the night but even more impressive was the stout Helena defense.

The Huskies defense allowed just 104 total yards to the Hornets that included just four total passing yards.

“Our defense just played lights out and they kept us in the ballgame,” said Parker. “Our defense just stonewalled them all night. I just can’t say enough about the defense.”

The Huskies were able to pull away in the second half as Jeremy Hughes converted a 29 yard field goal to make the score 17-7.

Helena was able to grind out rushing yards the entire game as they finished with 265 total yards rushing.

Walker carried the ball 23 times finishing with 117 yards and two touchdowns.

The final drive of the game for the Huskies was a seven play, 78 yard drive capped off by a two yard rushing touchdown by Helena quarterback Diondre’ Sackreiter to bring the score to 31-7.

With the win, Helena moved to 3-0 on the season and 2-0 in region play. Helena will next face region opponent Demopolis in their first road game of the season.

Dallas County fell to 2-2 on the year and 1-1 in region play.