Hoggard kept up with their machine like ways and defeated Hoke County 31-8 Friday night in the first round of the North Carolina State Playoffs.
Right from the start, the Vikings did what they do.
After the opening kickoff, the Hoggard defense forced their opponent to punt and set the offense up with good field position. Then, in what has become the dominant trend toward the end of the season, they gave the ball to Shawn Sidbury. He bursted for 24 yards, down to the Hoke 27, and then to the eleven on his next carry and to the two on his third consecutive run. They gave him a break, and let quarterback sneak in for the 7-0 lead with 9:03 remaining in the opening quarter.
That’s how they roll. The kicking game and defense set the offense up, and the almost robotic offense avoids making mistakes as they methodically march the ball down the field. Next thing you know, as Hoke found out you are down 14-0. The Vikings next score put them up two touchdowns, and against this team, which doesn’t turn the ball over often, you are pretty much sunk.
Hoggard improved to 11-0 as they cruised to the 31-8 win, which should secure their status as the #1 ranked team in this week’s state poll. They will next host Fayetteville Pine Forest out of the Two Rivers League. They were 4-2 at home, but only 2-4 on the road which is where they will be this Friday night. Pine Forest beat Sanford in their first round game 41-17, and the Trojans have won three of their last four contests.