Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
WEST FRANKFORT — The Nashville Hornets overcame three first half turnovers and rough field conditions for a 24-6 road win at West Frankfort.
Johnson Field was a muddy mess after nearly two days of rain from the remnants of Hurricane Helene moved through. Nashville senior running back Samuel Kollbaum didn’t seem to mind, rushing for 179 yards and scoring a pair of touchdowns. Defensively, the Hornets were stout as well, holding the area’s top rusher Travion Johnson in check and not allowing an offensive score all day to pave the way for the win.
Nashville did not get off to a good start. On the opening possession of the game Hayden Klingeman’s pass was tipped right into the hands of West Frankfort defensive back Eli Tyson who returned it 50 yards for a touchdown, and 1:49 into the game, the Redbirds had a 6-0 lead.
Later in the first, Kollbaum scored on an 8-yard touchdown run and added the two point conversion.
It remained 8-6 until the opening play of the fourth quarter when Kollbaum scored for the second time. The two-point conversion gave Nashville a 16-6 lead.
After forcing and recovering a fumble, the Hornets put it away courtesy Hayden Klingeman’s short TD run with a little more than 7:00 to play.
Nashville improves to 4-1 (2-0). The Hornets will return home next week to host Benton. West Frankfort falls to 3-2 (1-1). The Redbirds will visit Du Quoin next week.
