Hunter McClellan + Nacogdoches Start Season With 35-14 Rout of Henderson

{By Colby Fleet, Special to ETSN.fm}

HENDERSON — Football is a game of momentum and Nacogdoches cashed in Friday night against Henderson on two big plays right before halftime. A 14-point swing in 28 seconds fueled the Dragons’ 35-14 rout of Henderson at Lion Stadium.

With the scored tied at 14, Nacogdoches linebacker Brain Scott picked up a Henderson fumble and raced 85 yards to paydirt. Henderson fumbled on the ensuing kick return, and two plays later Dragons’ quarterback Hunter McClellan found L.J. Barnes up the left sideline for a touchdown and a 28-14 halftime lead.

McClellan finished 14-of-21 passing for 219 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.

Barnes hauled in his second touchdown of the game in the 4th quarter on an 18-yard fade pass to the corner of the end zone from McClellan to seal the win.

Nacogdoches wideouts Sam Morgan and Barnes combined for 165 yards and three touchdowns.

Henderson's Zane Boles passed for 273 yards and a touchdown, and added another score on the ground. Receiver Tre' Hollins had three catches for 135 yards, including his 76-yard reception.

Henderson (0-2) got off to a quick start. Boles tossed two long passes — a 27-yarder to junior Dalton Goode and a 37-yarder to Hollins — before calling his own number for a 1-yard touchdown run a 6-0 lead.

Nacogdoches' Brandon Jones weaved in and out of Henderson's special teams’ unit for a 60-yard punt return for a touchdown and a 7-6 advantage.

Nacogdoches (1-0) will visit Lufkin next Friday night, while Henderson (0-2) will travel to Hallsville.