The Sonic Drive-In Player-of-the-Game for Friday, Dec. 4, was Jailen Ruth of the Hawthorne football team.
Ruth and the Hornets’ defense made enough big plays in an 18-14 win against 3-time defending state champion Madison County in the Class 1A state semifinals.
Senior Samuel Driver scooped up a fumble at midfield and returned it for the score and an 18-14 lead with 5:07 to play in the game.
Ruth’s tenacity on the defensive line helped the Hornets recover a fumble (Artavis Mallary) and intercept a pass (Thurman Mills) in the final 1:54 to preserve the victory.
Hawthorne (10-2) advances to its first football state championship game in school history. The Hornets will play Baker on Thursday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m.
Every game The Prep Zone will recognize a Player-of-the-Game. The recipient receives a $10 gift certificate courtesy of Sonic Drive-In of Gainesville & Ocala.
