PLANTERSVILLE &8212; John Essex High School hit the road heading toward a daunting task Thursday afternoon.

One of the smallest 1A schools in the state, John Essex was heading into a Hornet fight with 5A Dallas County. Though the bigger bugs came out on top 84-50, the smaller group from out of town showed gumption, playing tough.

In the first period John Essex almost went hit for hit with the Dallas county bunch, putting up 12 to their host&8217;s 17. But the second period proved fatal and John Essex remained unable to answer for the rest of the game.

Dallas County put up 25 points in the second period to John Essex&8217;s 13 to enter the half 42-25. In the second half the group worked to increase their lead by outscoring the John Essex Hornets by six and seven points in the third and fourth periods.

Dallas County had four players end the game with double figures. Thomas King lead the way for the group with 21 points, followed by Andrew Mahan with 12. Marvin Hallman and Marcus Willis wrapped up the quartet by each putting up 10.

For the traveling John Essex group, Jack Rainey and Zach Fluker continue their team-leading contributions with 13 a piece.