Junior quarterback Hunter Moore threw four touchdown passes to lead East Hamilton to a 42-0 Homecoming win against East Ridge Friday night in a high school football game.

Moore (7-of-8 for 81 yards) connected twice each with Bailey Lenior (8 and 13 yards) and Tony Francois (24 and 7 yards) on scoring pass plays, while Dallas Hammond ran 27 yards for another score at 2:11 of the opening quarter.

Hunter Parker capped the scoring for the night with a 41-yard punt return for a touchdown at 7:31 before halftime.

The Hurricanes improved to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the district 6-AA, while East Ridge fell to 0-6 and 0-3.

Hurricane Firsts: This was the first win against East Ridge in four years and the first shuout in school history ... the previous low point total allowed was in a 49-3 win against Chattanooga Central on Aug. 31

"Hunter had a good night passing as he sees the field real well," said East Hamilton coach Ted Gatewood whose offense totaled 314 yards.

"The coaches were concerned that the players might not be real crisp in their execution after a week off, but I thought our guys played well."

Fast Start: East Hamilton scored on its first five possessions for a 35-0 lead at 9:45 of the second quarter before Parker's punt return for the final score.

After East Ridge went three and out on the first possession of the game, Moore marched the 'Canes 49 yards in eight plays concluding with a Moore to Lenoir scoring pass play. Cameron Carter kicked the first of six extra points.

The Canes scored three more times in the first quarter and twice in the second.

Strong Defense:  The Hurricane defense gave up 45 yards in total offense and did not allow a first down until midway through the second quarter.

"East Hamilton is by far the best team we have played all season," said East Ridge coach Tracy Malone.

"We have a young team and they are going through some growing pains, but they keep on fighting."

Gospel According to Tracy Malone: "Better days are ahead for you, but you have to decide when enough is enough," coach Malone told his players after the game.

"That (pointing to the scoreboard) does not define your as a person ... that does not define you as a man ...  I sweat with you and bleed with you ... We will go back to work and let's get a Homecoming win next Friday (vs. Howard)."

Turnovers: Austin Gatewood and Hammond had interceptions and Jesse Barfield had a fumble recovery. East Ridge had one fumble recovery.

Homecoming Queen and King: Morgan Phillips was crowned Homecoming Queen at halftime, while earlier in the day running back Logan Jackson was announced as Homecoming King.

Phillips is student body president, captain of the volleyball team and yearbook editor.'

Jackson led the 'Canes in rushing with 81 yards on 12 carries.

EH Kudos: The East Hamilton Singers led the fans in the singing of the national antherm before the game and the school band entertained the crowd with a short post-game concert on the field.

East Ridge 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 -- 0

East Hamiton 28 - 14 - 0 - 0 -- 42

Records: East Hamilton (5-1, 3-0), East Ridge (0-6, 0-3)

EH -  Bailey Lenoir 8 pass from Hunter Moore (Cameron Carter kick), 7-0 ... 8 plays, 49 yards ... time of drive - 2:33 ... 1st Q

EH - Tony Francois 24 pass from Moore (Carter kick), 14-0, 1-24 ... :08 ... 1st Q

EH - Lenoir 13 from Moore (Carter kick), 21-0, 6-44 ... 2:37 ... 1st Q

EH - Dallas Hammond 27 run (Carter kick), 28-0, 2-30 ... :44 ... 1st Q

EH - T. Francois 7 pass from Moore (Carter kick), 35-0, 7-45 ... 2:37 ... 2nd Q

EH - Hunter Phillips 41 punt return (Carter kick), 42-0, 1-41 ... 2nd Q

contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net