Hempstead shows fight in 55-10 loss to Wharton

HEMPSTEAD, Texas (KBTX) -Week Four action of Friday Football Fever is in the books and saw Hempstead hosting the Warton Tigers at Bobcat Stadium.

Hempstead entered their matchup against Wharton on Friday night, still searching for their first victory of the season. However, the visiting Tigers wasted no time in asserting their dominance.

Wharton strikes first and often. Halfway through the first quarter, the visitors lined up at the 18-yard line when quarterback Ja'Keon Jackson handed the ball to running back Ja'Carious Wiley. Wiley found the edge, turned on the jets, and sprinted down the sideline for a touchdown, giving the Tigers an early 7-0 lead.

Moments later, with Wharton on the 21-yard line, Jackson dropped back and fired a laser to wide receiver Kevin Dogins. Dogins leaped up to make the grab, dashing into the end zone for another Tigers touchdown, pushing the lead to 14-0.

As the clock wound down for the first quarter the Tigers scored again, this time Jackson calling his own number and crossing the goal line to put Warton up 21-0

With just under 11 minutes left in the 2nd quarter, Jackson again finds his man Wiley near the sideline where he pulls down the pass, sprints toward the endzone virtually untouched to cushion their lead, now 27-0

The Tigers ended up controlling the game all game, leading 41-0 as the first half neared its end. But with 20 seconds remaining, Hempstead's Jermain Williams fumbled a kick return, offering Wharton a chance to close the half on a high note.

However, fellow Bobcat Keenan Wilson quickly responded, scooping up the loose ball. He turned on the burners, racing down the sideline untouched for a much-needed 50+ yard touchdown. Wilson's effort breathed new life into Hempstead, giving the home crowd something to cheer for as the teams headed into halftime.

Despite their best efforts, Hempstead falls 55-10 to Wharton, but the Bobcats will look to bounce back next week as they hit the road to take on the Thorndale Bulldogs.