“You’re better,” the man told Collins.
The simple and direct diagnosis was that of Wake Forest University coach Jim Grobe, whose son, Ben, is a Hough assistant coach. And anyone who saw the Huskies play last year and also against Independence would have difficulty arguing with the man who once led Wake Forest to the Orange Bowl.
Hough, 2-8 last season, showed signs of progress by totaling 458 yards of offense, forcing two turnovers and generally trading punches with a Patriots team that had an early two-score lead. Hough was more physical and aggressive than it was during its debut season, and that translated into various forms of success.
The Independence team that visited Hough was not the “Big I” of Chris Leak, Joe Cox or Mohamed Massaquoi, but also did not appear to be the 3-8 team of a year ago. Collins is hopeful his team’s performance, while in a losing effort, will inspire other strong outings, beginning with Friday’s road game at Myers Park.
“I was proud because the guys played for four quarters,” said Collins.
Running back Jackson Campbell spearheaded the Husky offense with 169 yards on 18 carries and scored two touchdowns, showing with consistency the hard style of running he displayed at times last season.
“I think the effort by Jackson Campbell was incredible,” said Collins. “He stepped up and proved he’s a senior running back, and he’s ready to put the team on his back.”
Hough quarterback Josh Stilley led the other facet of Hough’s offense, spreading the ball around through the air, primarily to three targets. Receiver Brandon Mobley had nine catches for 71 yards and a touchdown, Nick Burrow had eight catches for 57 yards and a score, and Sanders Poff made four grabs for 71 yards. Mobley had catches of 29 and 30 yards, and Poff had a 30-yard reception on fourth down that extended Hough’s final drive. Stilley also showed his ability to stretch the defense with a
few deep passes that were nearly completed.
“He has one of the greatest arms I’ve ever seen,” said Collins. “I love having him as my quarterback.”
Putting up a fight
If Hough hangs in this season as it did in the second half against Independence, Collins will have few complaints, at least offensively. Trailing 17-2 at the half, Hough scored on its first five second half possessions and gave itself a chance to win at the end.
Campbell had touchdown runs of 14 and 2 yards, Mobley caught a 29-yard touchdown pass from Stilley and Nathan Deering booted a 37-yard field goal. Stilley’s 3-yard touchdown strike to Burrow with 3:21 left followed a successful onside kick attempt that was recovered by Tylan Murrell and cut it to 38-33.
Stilley’s 30-yard pass to Poff on fourth-and-9 with 1:21 to play got the Huskies to their own 42. But the drive stalled, and Stilley was intercepted by Austin Duke on a fourth down desperation pass in the closing seconds.
While the night ended in a loss, the Huskies were upbeat in the post-game moments. “I feel like this is a good start,” said Campbell.
There’s still work to be done. Stilley was sacked four times — Patriot Brandon Jackson was involved in all of them — and under pressure on other passing attempts.
And Hough’s defense allowed 332 yards. Poor tackling surrendered quick Patriot strikes in each half, first on a 23-yard touchdown run by R.J. Baker in the first quarter and then on Duke’s 92-yard kickoff return that extended the lead to two scores immediately following Campbell’s 14-yard touchdown run.
For Collins, the defensive performance was simple. “We can’t give up that many points,” he said.
A Mays-ing effort
Collins previously identified returning all-conference safety Nate Mays as a player to watch this year, and the senior made plays in the season opener.
Mays ended Independence’s first drive by picking off a pass at the Husky 7-yard line and dislodged the helmet of receiver Nicholas Tillman — and the football — with a big second-quarter hit when Tillman came across the middle.
He also recovered the fumble of teammate Jonathan Cureton, who lost the ball after picking off Patriot quarterback Evan Guest in the second quarter, and led the Huskies with nine tackles.
“Nate Mays is a player,” said Collins.
PATs
Hough’s first points came on a safety when a poor Patriots snap bounced out of the end zone. ... Hough’s longest play of the night resulted in a 53-yard gain. On third down from Hough’s 29, Campbell broke free and ran for 38 yards, but fumbled. The ball was momentarily controlled by
Independence, but ended up in Poff’s hands. And he took it to the Independence 18.
