Hough dominates in ‘Keep Pounding;’ Providence Day next

OK, so much for that “big game.”

Now it’s on to the really big one.

Hough put on another stellar defensive performance Saturday night, and this time the offense did its share, too.  The result was a 35-10 pasting of Raleigh powerhouse Cardinal Gibbons in the annual Keep Pounding Classic at Bank of America Stadium.

That sets the stage for the Labor Day weekend special – next Friday’s battle between Providence Day and Hough.  The teams will meet at 7 p.m. on Hough’s field, and it will feature, arguably, North Carolina’s premier high school teams.

A week ago, Hough’s defense shut down Rock Hill’s Northwestern in a 15-10 victory. The offense was a bit erratic, however, and Huskies’ coach Deshaun Baker promised improvement.  That arrived Saturday night.

After the Keep Pounding Classic’s opening game – which, coincidentally, was a 54-7 drubbing of Indian Land by that same Northwestern team – Hough put on a strong performance in all phases of the game.

The contest was, for all intents and purposes, finished at halftime.

Hough led 21-3, and the Huskies had outgained the Crusaders 237-35.  Hough had a 21-3 margin in first downs.  Cardinal Gibbons quarterback Mason Karras had 13 yards passing and had been sacked three times.

Hough’s defense never allowed a touchdown Saturday night.  Cardinal Gibbons’ only score, outside of a school-record 48-yard second-quarter field goal by Tucker Toland, was a fourth-quarter interception return of 53 yards by Danny Rahe.

The Huskies’ offense was chugging.  Ethan Royal threw four touchdown passes – two in the first half to Mason Pearsall-Brown, and two in the second half to Jahmere Anderson.  Royal also ran 4 yards for a score, giving him a hand in every Hough point except Cole Johnson’s five conversion kicks.

HOUGH-PROVIDENCE DAY TICKETS

Hough officials have opened sale of tickets for the Providence Day game and say there will be no gate sale.  All tickets must be bought in advance.

Tickets can be purchased online.