Is this the year that Hough’s vaunted football program breaks through?

The Huskies dominated Independence in a 47-3 second round blowout. Despite Independence’s 21-seed and Hough’s 5-seed, it was as matchup of two 10-1 teams.

Tonight’s game was the first time the programs faced off in 10 years and one day exactly.

The contest never felt out of the control of Hough.

Hough’s offense took advantage of an Independence defense that was without its two best players: junior Power 4 recruits linebacker Dallas Brannon and defensive back Nick Reddish.

Meanwhile, Hough’s defense was extraordinary. Senior defensive back Morgan Linton had a dominant first half, as did linebackers Ayden Bell, Cameron Cyr, and Eddie Conover.

Independence’s lone score was a nice 26-yard field goal by Lyric Kopera on the opening drive. However, that drive was saved by a Hough roughing of the punter penalty. Independence had picked up a first down on the first set of downs, but Hough initially got off the field after third down of the second set.

After the 3-0 deficit, Hough went to work.

Senior quarterback Trey Blakeney hit junior receiver Tyan Evans on an 87-yard bomb on a ball that traveled about 45 air yards. Blakeney later hit Evans for an 18-yard touchdown right before the half.

Blakeney was barely touched in the game as his impressive offensive line of Kiande Marsh, Jarvis Potts, Amaree Lawrence-Broome, Diante Berry, and Shawn Kennedy.

Hough also had first half touchdowns on a Blakeney keeper, a Blakeney screen pass to senior Sean Brady for 27, and a run by senior Jamison Funderburk.

Hough led 33-3 at halftime.

The Huskies scored on two rushing touchdowns in the second half to further solidify the win.

Coach Shawn Baker’s team will await the winner of tomorrow night’s (13) Mallard Creek at (4) Watauga game. If Mallard Creek wins, Hough gets to host in the third round. If Watauga wins, the Huskies have to tavel up to cold Boone.