Leyton Breezes Past Hyannis, 47-12

Leyton's Warrior Football team had little trouble defeating the visiting Hyannis Bulldogs in Dalton Thursday night, and advanced to the second round of the D2 playoffs with a 47-to-12 win. Leyton broke a five game losing streak in the playoffs with the playoff win, the first hosted in Dalton since 2013.

It was an all-around great performance by the Warriors, with the offense scoring early to break out to a 13-to-0 lead in the first quarter while the defense stifled the Bulldogs' running attack and only gave up a few long passes. Because of penalties and a few missed assignments, Hyannis was able to score two touchdowns in the second quarter, but Leyton erased their gains with two of their own scores in the period to go into the half up 26-to-12. The Warriors shut out the Bulldogs in the second half while putting up 21 more points to walk away with the victory.

The defense was especially sharp, with swarming gang tackles and tackles for losses. The defense also forced four turnovers in the game, with an interception by junior Justin Ernest that went 70 yards for a touchdown. Ernest leads all of Class D2 with nine interceptions on the season. Leyton senior quarterback Scout Gamble went 8-for-14 for 85 yards in the air, while sophomore Peyton Abbott rushed 13 times for 148 yards and four touchdowns. Senior KJ Bush rushed 19 times for 124 yards and two touchdowns.

The defense forced Hyannis to pass the ball, and collected four interceptions on the night. Ernest collected his ninth of the season, and ran it back 70 yards for a touchdown. Ernest had an outstanding game, seemingly in on every big defensive play of the game. The only blemish on Leyton's game for the night were nine penalties for 93 yards.

Leyton next travels to Osceola to take on the 8-and-1 Bulldogs in the second round of the Class D2 Playoffs. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. MT.