The Hawthorne Hornets have relied on patience, opportunistic offense and a smothering defense this season. And in the regional finals against the Wildwood Wildcats, it was their recipe for success once again.

Hawthorne defeated Wildwood 14-8 in the Class 1-A Region 4 finals. They face Madison County in the state semifinals next Friday.

Hawthorne broke a scoreless first quarter with a second quarter touchdown taking a 6-0 lead into halftime. 

Both teams scored touchdowns in the third quarter, keeping the Hornets ahead 14-8, which proved to be the difference after a scoreless fourth quarter.

The win gives Hawthorne an 9-2 record on the season. Wildwood ends its season 9-2.

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