The start of a new season was delayed by severe weather Friday night, causing players, coaches and fans to wait out the lightning strikes over Harry Nelson Field. The delay lasted for one hour before the opening kickoff between The First Academy and Bishop Moore.  After the delay, both teams jockeyed back-and-forth early on, but the Hornet offense proved to be too much for the Royals as Bishop Moore earned a week one win 35-21.

The game led off with The First Academy receiving the ball and taking it 76 yards for an early touchdown.  During the drive, the Royals handed the ball off 10 straight times to 3 different carriers.  Leading the drive was Kenneth Williams with 5 carries, 36 yards, and the touchdown. Later in the first half, Bishop Moore found their running game and had their own drive that lasted 7 plays and 79 yards for a touchdown. Collin Hartmann hit Marcus Williams with a 44 yard passing touchdown to tie the game 7-7.

The Royals answered the call of Bishop Moore and scored on their opening drive of the 2nd quarter. Again, keeping the ball on the ground TFA had 60 yards rushing and 82 yards total on 12 plays ending with a Jordan Hylton 4 yard touchdown run to go up 14-7.

But TFA's lead would be short-lived.

The Hornets went on to score 21 straight points with huge plays by Marcus Williams. Williams scored on a 15 yard touchdown run, a 62 yard touchdown pass from Collin Hartmann to Trey Page, and another 52 yard touchdown pass from Hartmann to Phil Baety.

The Hornets were up 28-14 threatening to score again when Baety fumbled the ball in the end zone costing the Hornets another 6 points. After some key stops, the Hornets scored again on a 23 yard touchdown pass from Hartmann to Alex Tiralosi.  The Royals scored one last touchdown with 5 seconds left to make the final score 35-21.

Hartmann went 10 of 14 for 211 yards and 3 touchdowns passes on the night. Trey Page finished the night with 11 carries, 124 rushing yards, and 1 touchdown. Marcus Williams also had a great night with 45 rushing yards, 50 receiving yards, and 2 touchdowns.

After the game, Bishop Moore head coach Matt Hedrick said that his team came out flat, but that the defense adjusted and came out tougher and more physical.

The Hornets move to 1-0 and will host Harmony High School next Friday. As for the Royals, they fall to 0-1 and will travel to Foundation Academy.