Grabowski, Arch lead Hampton to 47-0 victory over Mustangs
Nick Grabowski and C.J. Arch combined for five touchdowns and roughly 313 yards of offense to lead Hampton to a 47-0 non-conference win over Laurel Highlands on Friday at the Mustang Corral.
Asked afterwards if much of his team’s youth contributed to the loss, Laurel Highlands coach Zach Just said, “Being young is no excuse. We underperformed in all three phases of the game. It’s very disappointing on homecoming with a great crowd and a great atmosphere in a game we should have won tonight.”
He added, “Eventually you’re got to make the plays in big situations and start playing some football.”
With the game still scoreless, Laurel Highlands (0-4,0-3) appeared to have gotten a potential momentum-changing break after Hampton (2-2, 1-2) had driven 69 yards when the Mustangs’ Lucas Boyle caused a fumble that was recovered by LH at the 4-yard line.
But after moving the ball to the 24, the Mustangs lost eight yards and Jon Floss intercepted a pass by Jimmy Pierce on the next play.
Arch broke free for a 33-yard touchdown run on the next play and Trace McConnell’s conversion kick gave the Talbots a 7-0 lead.
The Talbots added three second-quarter touchdowns, beginning with a 53-yard drive capped by Grabowski’s 25-yard scoring pass to Floss, a 73-yard touchdown run by Arch and a 1-yard touchdown run by Arch that capped an 82-yard drive in eight plays.
Leading 27-0 at halftime, Hampton scored on two of its first three second half possessions with Grabowski carrying for a 12-yard touchdown and Tyler Iverson’s 64-yard run for a 40-0 lead.
Alex Bianco capped the scoring with a 25-yard touchdown run in the game’s final minute.
Hampton unofficially outgained Laurel Highlands, 472-116, with Arch rushing for 132 yards and Grabowski passing for 169 yards to go with his 12-yard touchdown run.
Jason Leone was the Mustangs’ leading rusher with over 30 yards. The team’s deepest drive was to the Talbots’ 30-yard line late in the fourth quarter.
Hampton coach Jacque DeMatteo said Arch is just beginning to round into shape after missing the Talbots’ first two games with an injury.
“He gets the tough yards for us,” DeMatteo said. “This is (Grabowski’s) first year as quarterback and he’s made a lot of progrsss the last several weeks. Our team is still taking baby steps, but the kids are working hard and I love their enthusiasm.”