Recovering from turf toe that sidelined him a week ago, Apollo quarterback Max Johnson threw five touchdowns to four different receivers to power the Eagles past Hancock County 42-7 for their first win of the season.
“In my head, I knew I was going to play,” Johnson said. “The doctor said to do what you can, and I really just wanted to come out here for the team and get a win for us.”
After marching deep into Hornets’ territory on their opening drive, Apollo fumbled and turned it over around the 20. Hancock County was unable to capitalize on the turnover, punting it right back. Starting their second drive from their own 20, Johnson found Landen Bratcher streaking down the sideline for a 68-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.
Returning the ensuing kickoff, the Hornets fumbled, and Apollo’s Jayden Beavin recovered – handing the Eagles the ball on Hancock County’s 36. A few plays later, Johnson found Bratcher from two yards out for their second touchdown connection of the game.
Needing to respond, Hancock County meticulously marched down the field to start the second quarter, capped off by Kyle Anderon’s seven-yard rushing touchdown – bulldozing through the pile and launching himself into the endzone.
That was Hancock County’s lone score of the game, with Apollo’s defense turning up the pressure the rest of the night.
“Our defense did great tonight, only allowing seven points,” Johnson said. “Our linebackers did great. Our DL got pressure, and our secondary was solid. Everybody did their job.”
Apollo took a 28-7 lead into halftime after Johnson found Ehmadjai Badger and Caiden Tutt for respective nine-yard and 25-yard-yard touchdowns.
Forcing a Hornets three-and-out to start the second half, Badger returned the ensuing punt 30 yards to the house for a 35-7 lead. Less than five minutes later, Johnson rolled out and, on the run, found Eli Williams from seven yards out for the exclamation point.
“This was a big win on the run, and we had to get after it, but we are now entering district play,” Apollo Head Coach John Edge said. “Because this is where we need to get better and receive our seeding. I am proud of our kids, but we move on. We play Muhlenberg County next week, and that’s who we need to prepare for.”
Despite the loss, Hancock County Head Coach Robert Eubanks wants his team to learn from the game and move forward.
“We scheduled like this for a reason, so we can test ourselves early in the season,” Eubanks said. “This was a good test for us, and we have a lot to learn from it. On Monday, we need to decide to come in with a clean slate and ready to get back to work.”
