Rally time

The Hackett Hornets were on the verge of getting blown out at home on homecoming night before rallying with five unanswered touchdowns for a 42-35 win over Lavaca.

“That was big,” senior quarterback Cole Ketchum said. “Especially since there had been a lot of trash talk going on. It would have looked bad if we had gotten destroyed and beat like that.”

Hackett scored two touchdowns in the three minutes before the half with Jeremy Lawyer scoring on an 11-yard run and Ketchum connecting with Wyatt Hester on an 82-yard touchdown pass on third down to get within 35-20 at halftime.

“Before half we got two crucial touchdowns to get the momentum going into the half,” Ketchum said. “At half, coach just told us to keep good energy throughout the game and trust each other. We came out on the opening drive and was able to punch one in.”

Ketchum took over the reins of the offense midway of his sophomore season and threw for 1,016 yards and 14 touchdowns. Last year, he threw for 1,669 yards and 17 touchdowns, including 436 yards and five touchdowns in a loss to Booneville, but was limited the last half of the season due to injuries.

Friday, he rallied the Hornets to the win by passing for 178 yards and two scores, and rushing for 114 yards and two scores, including a 1-yard run with 2:45 left for the go-ahead score.

The 82-yard touchdown pass to Hester right before the half was the key play on Friday.

“It was a back-side post,” Hester said. “I really wasn’t supposed to get the ball but I was open. Cole chunked the ball and I came up with the grab. The morale just rose up after that. We came out in the second half and just played our game.”

Hackett travels to Cedarville on Friday.