The John Essex Hornets have relied heavily on a strong ground game this year to carve out each of their three wins this season.

Last Friday night, when the Hornets picked up their fourth win of the season against Shades Mountain, they looked to unfamiliar territory: the air.

With the Hornets’ leading rusher out for the game, Coach Jerome Antone turned to his senior quarterback, Travis Tripp.

Tripp responded to the responsibility by putting on a passing clinic Friday night.

The former-running-back-turned-receiver-turned-quarterback led his Hornets to victory by tossing three touchdowns across 214 yards and added another 158 yards rushing.

Other notables:

Jalen Lewis, Linden: Junior intercepted two passes and returned one for a touchdown while also scoring two receiving touchdowns and one rushing touchdown in a win over Marengo.

James Wilson, Demopolis: Senior carried the ball 23 times for 244 yards and two scores in win over Selma.

Terry Fountain, John Essex: Senior caught seven passes for 138 yads and three scores.