John Essex (5-5, 4-4) entered Thursday night’s match up with R.C. Hatch with playoff hopes in tow. After thrashing the Bobcats 44-12, they left with those hopes intact.

“I want them to go to the playoffs,” first year Hornet head coach Jerome Antone said of his players. “I’ve been to the playoffs. I’ve won two state championships. I want it for these kids.”

The Hornets’ playoff destiny now lies in the hands of the Marengo Panthers, who face Keith Friday night. The Hornets need Marengo to beat Keith in order to break a three-way tie for the fourth and final playoff spot in Class 1A, Region 4.

Keith beat the Hornets three weeks ago and would own the tie-breaker if it beat Marengo.

The Hornets rode a 129-yard rushing effort by Denzell Charleston en route to the blowout win over R.C. Hatch. Senior A.J. Bennett added 77 rushing yards to 58 yards receiving. Bennett finished the night with two touchdowns and an interception while Charleston added a score of his own.

For a full game recap, see the Weekend edition of the Demopolis Times.