Hough football avenges early loss to Mallard Creek, looks to East Forsyth

There is an expression around athletics that it’s hard to beat a good team twice. The Hough Huskies proved the old adage to be true, holding off the Mallard Creek Mavericks during the second round of the NCHSAA 4A playoffs.

When the teams met in the regular season, there was not an offensive touchdown scored in the duration of the game. The two touchdowns scored were pick sixes by the stout Mavericks defense.

The second time around, in Friday’s postseason game, Huskies quarterback Tad Hudson remained calm under pressure and made sure to limit his mistakes in order to win the game.

“(Hudson) has been playing now for four years at the highest level of football, at arguably the best program in the state,” Hough head coach Matt Jenkins said. “We expect him to do that. He has done a great job of getting us in and out of plays. He did what he needed to do to win (Friday’s) football game.”

Now, the Huskies have the challenge of facing one of the most electrifying offenses in the state in East Forsyth this weekend. Jenkins understands how talented the Eagles are but also knows that his guys have beaten them before.

“We played East Forsyth last year, and they (have) a ton of guys back,” Jenkins said. “Their quarterback is dynamic. They have a slot receiver who can play outside that is really good. They have a tight end that moved in from Canada or some place that I guess is pretty dang good. They are always tough and physical.”

One advantage the Huskies have is their powerful defense. It is a unit which, week in and week out, forces turnovers, comes up with key stops and ultimately makes enough plays to put the Huskies in position to win games.

Hough’s greatest advantage, however, is the play of its special teams unit. Five-star kicker Nolan Hauser is as close to automatic you can get. He was kicking 60- to 65-yard field goals into the wind while warming up for the second-round playoff game.

Hudson, the quarterback, emphasized how comforting it is to have a teammate with Hauser’s skill.

“Anywhere from the 50 (yard line) and in, you know he is basically automatic,” Hudson said. “You should see him in practice. It is a great weapon to have because you know you’re getting three points 99 percent of the time.”

The Huskies’ punter, Owen Fehr, had one of the highlight plays in their second-round game as he kicked an 80-yard punt down to Mallard Creek’s 1-yard line. He was able to pin the Mavericks back on several occasions in the game, illustrating why Jenkins has such confidence in his special teams squad.

“Our special teams make a difference every single week for us,” the coach said. “The bottom line is the better team won (Friday). That is the bottom line and we are excited to go (to the next round).”

East Forsyth’s second-round game against Mount Tabor was pushed back to Saturday due to the inclement weather. The Eagles put the game to bed early, routing the Spartans 42-0. The Huskies travel to Kernersville next Friday to square off with the Eagles.

Hudson anticipated facing East Forsyth in the playoffs.

“I’d love to play East Forsyth, just since we played them last year and I hear they are pretty good this year,” Hudson said. “So, we will prepare this week, get in the film room and have a good week of practice.”

For Hudson, this season represents his last chance at a state championship. He is confident the Huskies have a shot.

“I’ve gotten close for many years,” Hudson said. “I know what it is like to be there, and most of the seniors know what it is like. ... I will do whatever it takes and give 110 percent effort.”