Strong defense play by Hobbton Middle’s boys helped give the young Wildcats a season-opening win against Union Middle. Final score, 33-11.

Hobbton coach Jackson Temple praised his team’s hustle, stressing that he thought they played an exceptionally strong first game. “Their defense was outstanding. We were able to hold Union scoreless in the first quarter. Any time you can do that, you are doing something right.”

Hobbton went on a 7-0 run in the first period and maintained strong momentum in the second frame, heading into the half up 15-7.

After the break, Union fought back, but Hobbton had outdistanced the home-playing Spartans.

“Our rebounding was solid. Really, our overall effort was good,” Temple stressed.

Wildcat Omar Farrior led scoring with 16 points. Raquan Bryant had 8 points and Jaquan Farrion, 7. Teammate Calaeb Robinson had double-digit rebounding, his coach said, showing great promise on the boards.

“I was proud of my team’s effort; I really was,” Temple said.

Leading scorer for Union was Jacques Graham with 8 points.

Hobbton travels to Sampson Monday for a tough battle with the Dark Horses.

Temple said his team would have to play with the same intensity that had started the season with, perhaps more.

“Sampson is a strong team. We will have to exceed their intensity. That will be the key, that and the desire to win. Whoever has the most of that will take the game.”

The coach said he expected Monday’s matchup to be a fast-paced one. “It should be a great game,” he said.