Macailyn Wilder Powers Hallsville Past Van, 38-26

[By Jeff Henderson, Special to ETSN.fm]

VAN -- The Hallsville Bobcats survived a second-half push by the Van Vandals for a 38-26 victory in Friday's night's Week 1 non-district matchup at Van Memorial Stadium.

Hallsville’s Macailyn Wilder completed 15 of 23 passes for 172 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception while rushing for 96 rushing yards. Running backs Kha'lil Sneed and Stephon Dunn complemented Wilder's big game with 55- and 65-yard rushing efforts, respectively.

Van junior tailback Matt Savis had 26 carries for 241 yards and two touchdowns, including 100 yards in the fourth quarter. Van's Peter Maddox connected on 10 of 19 passes for 132 yards, one score, and one interception.

Hallsville (1-1) built a 38-13 lead before Van (0-2) scored twice late to make a run at a comeback. A 70-yard drive cut the deficit to 38-20 before a Hallsville turnover led to a five-yard Savis touchdown run and 38-26 score.

Hallsville held on from there. The Bobcats recovered an attempted onside kick by the Vandals and ran out the clock.

Hallsville built a 21-7 first-quarter lead thanks to a four-yard Sneed run, a 58-yard touchdown strike from Wilder to Jamil Young, and Dionte Johnson's 23-yard reverse for a touchdown. Van's lone first-quarter score came on a Maddox' 17-yard touchdown pass to Luke McGowan.

Hallsville led 31-13 at halftime after a quick scoring drive and a Paden Brown field goal. Maddox' second touchdown throw to McGowan accounted for the Vandals' only second-quarter score.

Van hosts Lindale (0-2) next week. Henderson (0-2) hosts Hallsville.