From an earlier game this season, Brayden Tincher (7), Dylan Bowman (9), and Kain Sotelo (2) combine to take down a Knightstown ball carrier. The Royals picked up a big season-ending win Friday against Lapel.
The Daily Reporter File Photo
CHARLOTTESVILLE — Eastern Hancock came out firing and used a three-score first quarter to secure a 29-22 victory over the visiting Lapel Bulldogs to end the regular season Friday.
With the win, the Royals snapped a three-game losing streak and finished the season 4-5.
“It was the first time this year that we’ve come out and played fantastic,” Eastern Hancock head coach Pat Echeverria said. “We came out fast and furious, and then we just kind of held on.”
Kain Sotelo found the end zone four times for Eastern Hancock. He broke off touchdown runs of 50 yards, 14 yards, 6 yards and 22 yards.
“Our whole defense played great, and our offense moved the ball all game but just couldn’t punch it in after those opening scores,” Echeverria said.
While Sotelo led the team on offense, the Royals were led on defense by another senior, Brayden Tincher, who intercepted two passes and forced a fumble on a Lapel kick return, leading to one of the Royals’ early touchdowns.
“Brayden played fantastic tonight,” Echeverria said.
Lapel had a chance to tie things up with time expiring in the fourth quarter, but the Royals made a stand in the red zone to secure the win.
The Royals open sectional play next weekend against Union County.
