Hampton was unable to shake off a speedy Johnson County team.
The Bulldogs dropped a 20-8 decision against the Longhorns on Friday night at J.C. Campbell Stadium as JC took their first win over Hampton since the 2013 season.
Hampton falls to 1-1 on the season.
The game was a defensive battle from the opening kickoff.
Johnson County drew first blood with 3:36 to play in the first as Nathan Arnold hit Gage Hampton for a 20-yard touchdown pass. The scoring play was set-up off a 51-yard Arnold pass to Bud Icenhour.
The Bulldogs offense marched into Johnson County territory in the second quarter but came up short on a fourth-down conversion at the Longhorn 12 to stall the drive.
Hampton trailed 7-0 at the half.
Johnson County set the tone to open the second half as Corey Arnold capped off a 12-play 65-yard drive to open the third quarter that gave Johnson County a 14-0 lead going into the final quarter.
The Bulldogs got the offense cranking to open the fourth quarter as Jason Russell scored on a two-yard run, and Alex Hardin added the two-point conversion to trim the gap to 14-8 with 11:27 left to play.
Icenhour, however, set the Longhorns up at midfield with a lengthy kickoff return, and after a nine-play drive, Arnold pushed the HHS deficit to two scores.
The Bulldogs continued to fight as they moved the ball inside the red zone. However, a sack on fourth down ended the drive and the rally effort.
Hunter Davenport led Hampton with 152 yards on 25 carries. Gavin Hardin had 10 tackles.
Skyler Cole added an interception for the Hampton defense.
For Johnson County, Arnold went 14-of-22 for 155 yards along with 48 rushing yards. The Longhorn’s Hampton had 46 yards rushing. Hayden Osbourne and Tyler Norris had 13 and 12 tackles, respectively, to lead the Longhorn defense.
