Despite losing their sting a little bit with their first loss of the season against College Station High School, the Huntsville High School Hornets are business as usual for the No. 71 ranked team in the state with a 2-1 record heading into district play.

In the first three weeks of the 2018 season, junior quarterback Matthew Southern has led the charge with 695 yards through the air on 66-for-112 passing, four touchdowns and two interceptions.

During the three matchups against College Station, Willis High School and Port Neches-Groves, the Hornets have rushed for 542 yards, led by senior running back Jaeryne Green and junior running back Cameron Myers.

Not only has the offense stepped up in a big way, but the defense has shown their might against opponents this season. The Hornets defense has snatched three interceptions on the season so far and one fumble recovery heading into district play.

Two players that have stepped up for the guys in green are sophomore linebacker Jordan Brown and junior defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat. In the Hornets’ win against Port Neches-Groves, Brown and Sweat combined for 16 tackles and two sacks on the night, one of which caused a fumble.

Hornets head coach Rodney Southern told the Huntsville Item about the scheduling benefit for their team.

“That open week is coming at a good time,” Southern said. “We need to get on some grades and do some housekeeping. But, getting three days on a head start on A&M [Consolidated] because they can’t focus on us [as] they’ve got a game. Hopefully, that will be to our advantage.”

The Hornets will start their 10-5A Division II schedule when they head down SH-30 to take on A&M Consolidated High School at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28.