Phillip Jones Guides Nacogdoches By Hallsville

HALLSVILLE -- Nacogdoches running back Phillip Jones scored three times from long range Friday to help get the Dragons past Hallsville at Bobcat Stadium.

All of Jones' scores came from beyond the Hallsville 35-yard line and he finished the game with 280 yards in the 35-14 victory. Quarterback Noah Hildebrand threw the other two touchdowns to Jed Morgan and Jaylon Douglas for the winning side.

Nacogdoches (3-1) built a 14-0 lead when Jones scored his first touchdown from 54 yards out and never allowed Hallsville (0-4) back within seven points.

Hildebrand opened scoring with an 31-yard strike to Morgan.

The Bobcats made it a 14-7 game before halftime when Ty Meissner threw a receiver pass to quarterback Peyton McGarvey, but Jones answered with a 64-yard touchdown.

Tye Smith picked off Hildebrand for a 32-yard touchdown early in the third quarter to make it a 21-14 deficit for Hallsville. Jones scored from 34 yards and Hildebrand closed scoring with an 18-yard strike to Douglas.

Nacogdoches has a big game next Friday at home against Gilmer.

Hallsville will try to get in the win column in its District 16-5A opener at home against Mount Pleasant.