East Hamilton capitalized on Hixson's inability to secure the football on its way to a 41-6 Region 2-4A victory Friday night.
The Wildcats defense fought well in the first half but was forced to play deep in its own territory due to turnovers. Hixson totaled seven.
"Turning the ball over so much, you're going to lose that game 10 out of 10 times," Hixson coach Gary Murray said. "I felt defensively we really showed up to play, though the score doesn't reflect the bad spots we put them in from our offense."
A Tre Warthan fumble set up excellent East Hamilton field position on the Wildcats' 3-yard line. Quarterback Haynes Eller kept the ball for a 1-yard touchdown run.
In response to another costly Wildcats fumble, running back Adam Caudle broke two tackles in a 17-yard run up the gut for a touchdown. On their next possession Hurricanes back Marko Dozier added to the lead with a 7-yard scamper to bring the score to 23-0 at halftime.
Dozier continued to impress in the second half. He scored on a 42-yard end-around as well as a 94-yard kickoff return, finishing with 49 yards rushing on four carries and three total touchdowns. Caudle ended the game with 88 yards on 11 rushes and a touchdown.
"We've got four guys in the backfield that can really run it," East Hamilton coach Ted Gatewood said. "Tonight those two (Dozier and Caudle) really stepped up. They're getting better each week."
Gatewood said he is grateful for the upcoming off week before a playoff push to end the season.
"We're going to get some work in early next week, then give them some time off. It's been a difficult eight-week grind," he said.
Contact Justin Dempsey at sports@timesfreepress.com.