Avila’s six TDs lead Hardin County to victory

Senior running back Daniel Avila had possibly the best game of his high school football career on Friday night. Avila rushed for six touchdowns in Hardin County’s 49-26 victory over McNairy Central. The senior tailback totaled 262 rushing yards on 31 carries in the game. Much of Avila’s rushing totals came in the second half of play. He rushed for over 200 yards in the final two quarters.

“Daniel had a big night for us,” said head coach William McAdams. “The offensive line did a really good job as well. They worked hard the entire game and made some big holes for Daniel to run through.”

Hardin County jumped in front by a score of 21-0 by the 10:50 mark of the second quarter. Avila accounted for each of the touchdowns for the Tigers. He ran for scores of 15, 5, and 4 yards to give the Tigers the three touchdown advantage. Kicker Eddie Espinoza kicked each of the extra-point attempts for the Tigers.

After McNairy Central cut the lead to 21-7 by halftime, the Tigers added to their lead in the third quarter. Steven Rich caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Barker Burnham to give Hardin County a 28-7 lead. McNairy Central returned the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for a score, but Hardin County came right back with another Avila touchdown run. This score came from 23 yards out to give the Tigers a 35-14 lead after three quarters of play.

Each team was able to score a pair of touchdowns in the final quarter. Avila scored his final two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to bring his game total to six. Espinoza connected on the first PAT, and Freddy Polomino accounted for the final extra-point.

One of the strangest things that happened in the game was over an hour delay because of lightning in the area. Despite the delay and the distraction of Homecoming week, the Tigers were able to maintain their poise and pick up a big win. “It was hard to keep them focused with the delay and all the distractions that come with the week of Homecoming. We did some really good things in the game, and we also had some things happen that we’ve got to work on. Overall, it was good to get a win,” said McAdams.

Burnham passed for 149 yards in the game as he connected on 11-of-19 pass attempts. Coty Eanes was the leading receiver for Hardin County with five receptions for 95 yards. Rich led the Tiger defense in the game against McNairy Central with 14 total tackles. Steven Gobbell was second with 13 total stops. Josh Ivey had 12 tackles, and Dakotah McFerson had 11 total tackles. Jopp Bizzell contributed with eight tackles.

Hardin County improved their record to 5-0 on the season with their win against McNairy Central.