PREP FOOTBALL: Cone, No. 6 Good Hope roll past Hatton 42-12
Published 3:29 am Saturday, November 9, 2024
Tyler Cone accounted for six total touchdowns Friday night as No. 6 Good Hope picked up a 42-12 home victory over Hatton in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs.
Cone notched a pair of scoring runs in the first half to help the Raiders hold a 14-6 lead at the break.
The senior produced two more rushing touchdowns in the third quarter — the second of which was set up by a Mason Drake interception — to put Good Hope ahead 28-6.
“Hatton definitely came out and played really well,” Good Hope coach Alan Scott said. “They blocked a punt early and controlled the ball and made some big runs. We shot ourselves in the foot a couple of times, too, in that first half. But we went in with a lead and knew we were getting the ball first coming out. The offense had a great drive to give us a cushion, then our defense got an interception and we were able to go up three scores. At that point, the game settled in a bit.”
Cone later found Tucker Malin for a pair of scoring connections to cap the offensive production.
“Tyler is a great young man,” Scott said. “His attitude is always wonderful and he comes to practice every day and leads the team. Our coaches throw a lot at him — and he handles everything very well. Obviously, on the field, he’s been a great leader and player this year.”
Good Hope will travel to Anniston next Friday for its second-round matchup. The Bulldogs moved on following a 40-12 win over Randolph.
“At this point, you’ve just got to advance,” Scott said. “We’d love to be at home, but being in the second round is a great testament to our team. We’ve just got to get back to work and be ready to go to Anniston.”