MOORESVILLE – Hough pulled out a 17-9 win over Lake Norman Friday night to stay at the top of the I-Meck conference and remain unbeaten on the road.

The Huskies are now 9-1 overall, 6-0 in the I-Meck 4A conference. Lake Norman 4-6 overall, 2-4 in the league. Hough’s win Friday sets up an I-Meck 4A championship game next Friday at home against Mallard Creek, which is also 6-0 in the league.

Lake Norman scored on its opening possession when quarterback Josh Ladowski hit Corey Joyner with an 11-yard pass for a TD. The Wildcats’ 2-point conversion attempt failed, and they led 6-0 with 8 minutes left in the first quarter.

The Huskies responded with their own drive, scoring on a 1-yard rush from Tory Burrell. Tim Gawert’s extra point kick put them ahead 7-6.

Neither team posted points in the second quarter. Lake Norman failed to capitalize on two Hough turnovers (one interception and one fumble) and the score remained 7-6 at the break.

Early in the third quarter, Hough’s Tylan Murrell intercepted a Lake Norman pass. Quarterback Josh Stilley hit Nick Burrow with a 27-yard pass for Huskies second touchdown. Gawert’s extra point made it 14-6 Hough, with 7 minutes to go in the third.

The Wildcats benefited from two penalties against the Huskies in the next series, but Hough held Lake Norman to a 47-yard field goal. That put the score at 14-9 to end the third quarter.

The Huskies opened the fourth quarter with a 27-yard field goal by Gawert to pull ahead and win the game 17-9.

BIG GAME FRIDAY

The Huskies return home next Friday night at 9-1 to face perennial powerhouse Mallard Creek for the I-Meck championship. Game time is 7 p.m. at Hough stadium.

- Anne Vari

SUMMARY

Hough	        7   0   7   3 - 17
Lake Norman	6   0   3   0 -  9