CHS gets first win

The Cottondale Hornets picked up their first win of the season Friday night in Niceville, blasting Rocky Bayou 56-16.

The Hornets improved to 1-6 on the season.

Nick Jackson led the Hornets with 115 total yards of offense and four touchdowns, while Evan Davis rushed for 106 yards and two TDs on eight carries.

Davis also blocked a punt to lead to the Hornets’ first score of the game, with Cody Cosper recovering the block and running it into the endzone.

Cosper rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown as well, with CJ Smith adding 74 passing yards and a TD.

Cody Saye led the CHS defense with 10 tackles and a fumble recovery, with Davis and Cosper each adding interceptions as well.

“We played well. Everybody played their part,” Cottondale coach Mike Melvin said after the game. “It was just a good game offensively, defensively,  and we were able to get a lot of other guys into the game and get some good reps.”

The Hornets led 21-0 after one quarter and 28-0 at halftime.

Rocky Bayou didn’t pick up its initial first down of the game until the third period.

It was an all-around positive night for the Hornets, who needed such a game in a season in which there hasn’t been much to be positive about.

“Nick Jackson had a great night, CJ (Smith) threw the ball exceptionally well for us, Evan Davis ran the ball well…everybody played well,” Melvin said. “I can’t really complain.”

The Hornets are off next week before going on the road Nov. 6 to take on arch-rival Graceville.

With the top two spots in district already wrapped up by FAMU and Jefferson County, the game will have no postseason significance.

However, neither team will need incentive to bring its best effort in the county’s most-heated rivalry.