Charlotte, August 24, 2025
News Summary
The Hough Huskies ended their season-opening jinx with a hard-fought 14-10 win against the South Pointe Stallions at Bank of America Stadium. With standout performances from quarterback Ethan Royal and a strong defensive showing, Hough overcame a series of setbacks from previous seasons. This victory marks a shift for the team as they prepare to face Independence next week while aiming to build on their resilience.
Charlotte – The Hough Huskies broke a season-opening jinx with a hard-fought 14-10 victory over the South Pointe Stallions at Bank of America Stadium. This win marks the first time Hough has triumphed in an opening game since beating Myers Park in 2021. The triumph also puts to rest a streak of three consecutive opening losses to South Carolina teams, including a heart-wrenching one-point defeat to Rock Hill-Northwestern last season and previous losses to Duncan Byrnes and Dutch Fork.
Head coach DeShawn Baker had prioritized discussions about overcoming adversity throughout the week leading to the game. Emphasizing the need for resilience, Baker encouraged his players to rise to the challenge presented by their opponents. Hough responded positively, showcasing their grit and determination in a contest that featured shifts in momentum.
Quarterback Ethan Royal was the standout player for Hough, scoring both touchdowns and contributing significant offensive yardage. Royal completed 121 passing yards in addition to rushing for another 20 yards. His pivotal 38-yard pass to Tyran Evans set up a second-quarter touchdown that brought Hough back into contention. Following this pass, Royal scored his first touchdown on a quarterback draw from the 2-yard line, which put Hough in front.
The game took another turn when South Pointe’s Lawson Miller kicked a 21-yard field goal to give the Stallions a short-lived 10-7 lead. However, Hough regained the lead before halftime and held off South Pointe’s attempts to regain control in the second half. South Pointe’s quarterback J’zavien Currence finished the game with 143 passing yards in the latter half and attempted to rally his team but was intercepted by Drew Johnson with just 81 seconds remaining, sealing Hough’s victory.
Defensively, the Huskies were formidable, limiting South Pointe to just 43 total offensive yards and forcing two turnovers throughout the game. South Pointe struggled offensively, and during halftime, they replaced starting quarterback Cam McMillon with Currence, marking a shift in strategy that ultimately did not prevail against Hough’s staunch defensive effort.
With this victory, Hough is positioned at No. 6 in the Carolinas’ Top 25 and holds the No. 2 spot in the N.C. 8A statewide rankings. Next week, the Huskies will face independence in a continuation of their challenging schedule, where Coach Baker’s emphasis on resilience and overcoming adversity will surely be put to the test once again.
Key Match Statistics
- Final Score: Hough 14, South Pointe 10
- Quarterback Ethan Royal: 121 passing yards, 20 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns
- South Pointe quarterback J’zavien Currence: 143 passing yards in second half
- Defensive Highlights: 43 total yards allowed, 2 turnovers forced
Next Match-Up
Hough will face off against Independence next week.
Background on Hough’s Recent History
Prior to this victory, Hough encountered several setbacks, particularly against South Carolina teams, which served as a focal point for improvement during the offseason. Baker’s strategy has shifted since last year’s underperformance, aiming for a more resilient and adaptable team in critical moments during games.
FAQ Section
What was the final score of the Hough vs. South Pointe game?
The final score was Hough 14, South Pointe 10.
Who scored the touchdowns for Hough?
Ethan Royal scored both of Hough’s touchdowns in the game.
What impact did Hough’s defense have in the game?
Hough’s defense limited South Pointe to just 43 yards of total offense and forced two turnovers in key moments of the game.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Hough 14, South Pointe 10 |
| Ethan Royal’s Performance | 121 passing yards, 20 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns |
| South Pointe’s Passing | 143 passing yards in the second half from J’zavien Currence |
| Key Defensive Stats | 43 total offensive yards allowed, 2 turnovers forced |
| Next Opponent | Independence |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hough Huskies End Losing Streak with Victory Over South Pointe
Hough Huskies Announce Their 2025 Football Schedule
College Football Shocker: Northern Illinois Upsets Notre Dame; Texas Dominates Michigan
Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer
- High School OT
- Cornelius Today
- MaxPreps
- On3
- Wikipedia: Hough High School
- Google Search: Hough vs South Pointe football
- Google Scholar: Hough High School football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- Google News: Hough football 2025
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