No. 10 Cleveland hangs on at No. 16 Hoggard
Cleveland went deep into the playbook at the perfect time on opening night, and it may have saved them.
The Rams were nursing a 14-7 lead with just over 5 minutes until halftime, when they dialed up a game-changing play.
Senior Cameron Goins, who lined up as a slot receiver, motioned deep into the backfield and caught what appeared to be a simple swing pass.
Once Hoggard's aggressive defense swarmed, Goins bombed it deep to a wide-open Zalin Ingram for a 38-yard Cleveland touchdown. A successful 2-point conversion gave the Rams a 15-point lead, and they would need every bit of it.
The Vikings rallied for a pair of impressive touchdown drives, keyed by running back M'kel Bellamy. The senior plunged in from 3-yards away to cut into the deficit before halftime. Then, he picked his way through the defense and showed off some burst for an impressive 17-yard score in the 3rd quarter.
Hoggard decided for go for 2 and the tie, but a bobbled snap left quarterback Hudson Wilharm no chance. He was swarmed for a sack and Cleveland was able to cling to its 22-20 advantage.
The game remained in doubt deep into the 4th quarter, until the other shoe dropped for Hoggard. With under 4 minutes to play, Wilharm was picked off by Rams linebacker Sawyer Lowe, who raced 35 yards back the other way for a crucial, game-capping Cleveland touchdown.
The Rams will look to build on this 28-20 victory as they host Heritage in their home opener next Friday night.
The Vikings will host J.H. Rose out of Greenville, looking for their first win of 2023.