Comets pull out 21-20 win over Rustburg

By Tucker McLaughlin, Jr.
News & Record staff
RUSTBURG – The Comet defense – and fleet-footed Clyde Scott – paved the way for an electrifying 21-20 comeback win over a courageous Rustburg team Friday night.
The Comets (1-1) were having all kinds of problems getting a handle on Rustburg’s option well into the third period, trailing 20-7, and looking very much like a football team headed for a very disappointing 0-2 start.
But Scott made the defensive play of the season so far.
Looking at a third-and-five situation on the Comet 32-yard line, Rustburg tried a pitch play that went all wrong. The pitch went off-target, Scott grabbed the ball with perfect timing, and roared downfield to score on a game-changing play. With 1.9 seconds left in the third period, place-kicker Cameron Starke nailed the PAT and suddenly, HCHS was right back in the game, trailing by six.
HCHS then held the Red Devils (0-2) on their next possession, got good field possession, and took over with momentum on their side.
Quarterback Dale Trent found Andre Ervin wide open behind the Red Devil defense, completing a dramatic 45-yard strike for the game-tying score.
Starke then nailed the game-winning PAT and HCHS never trailed again, taking the lead for good with 9:23 remaining.
HCHS now has the week off before traveling to Person County Sept. 12.

HCHS vs Rustburg photo gallery