By Thomas Baker, BCHSSReport.com
HAMILTON — The Hamilton High football team’s season is off to an unfamiliar start.
Following a 28-14 win over Anderson on Friday, the Big Blue have moved to 2-0 on the season — doubling their win total from last season.
Keyshawn Stephens got Hamilton on the board in the first quarter with a receiving touchdown, putting the hosts ahead 7-0.
But Anderson answered with a touchdown run by Andrew Williams to knot it up at 7-7.
Stephens added a rushing touchdown in the second quarter to make it 14-7 Hamilton — a lead it took into the half.
In the third quarter, Anderson scored on a Jerrick McClanahan touchdown to tie it up at 14. But Stephens added two more rushing touchdowns to put the game on ice for Hamilton.
All in all, Stephens finished with 115 yards and three rushing touchdowns and 44 yards receiving with a score.
“He’s a dude,” Hamilton coach Nate Mahon said. “I hope every college football coach is watching Keyshawn Stephens. He does everything you ask him to. When it’s his turn, you can’t stop him. When it’s not his turn, he blocks for his buddies. I hope every college football coach sees that. He’s a team player. Period.”
The 2-0 start from Hamilton is a far cry from their 1-9 venture of a season ago. But Mahon is no stranger to reclamation projects. After taking over a 2-8 Little Miami squad in 2016, he led the Panthers to a 16-6 record over the last two seasons, including their first playoff berth since 1992.
“The players are listening,” Mahon said. “They’re listening, and it’s exciting. They’ve exceeded my expectations. I love the heavy stuff. We’re just gonna pound the football.”
Hamilton takes on Lakota West at home next week, while Anderson travels to Harrison.
1ST QUARTER
HAM TD 07:09 Keyshawn Stephens 30 YD PASS FROM Quincy Simms-Marshall (Erik Rios KICK) 0 7
2ND QUARTER
AND TD 06:55 Andrew Williams 6 YD RUN (Hayden Brooke KICK) 7 7
HAM TD 00:21 Keyshawn Stephens 1 YD RUN (Erik Rios KICK) 7 14
3RD QUARTER
AND TD 05:38 Jerrick McClanahan 37 YD PASS FROM Jackson Kuhn (Hayden Brooke KICK) 14 14
HAM TD 00:29 Keyshawn Stephens 2 YD RUN (Erik Rios KICK) 14 21
4TH QUARTER
HAM TD 09:13 Keyshawn Stephens 4 YD RUN (Erik Rios KICK) 14 28