Brainerd’s big plays lead to early outburst in victory at Hixson

Staff photo by Robin Rudd / Brainerd's Donivon Thomas fends off two Hixson defenders to score a touchdown after making a catch during Friday's game at Hixson, the season opener for both teams.

By Idris Garcia August 22, 2020 3 min read

Brainerd High School scored the first 21 points in its football season opener Friday night at Hixson, going on to win 39-16 in the nonregion matchup.

While starting 1-0 was a positive for Panthers coach Tyrus Ward, just being out on the field feels a little different this year.

“I’m just glad these guys were able to finish a game,” Ward said. “I’m glad they were able to be out here. With all this COVID stuff, they’ve battled so much and overcome. They’ve been really patient, and I’m super proud.”

Brainerd lit up the scoreboard late in the first quarter, scoring three times inside the last five minutes of the period. Quarterback Xiyeer Lattimore started it with an 11-yard run and added a 20-yard touchdown pass to Donivon Thomas.

Photo Gallery

Brainerd at Hixson football on Aug. 21, 2020

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Hixson fans stand for the National Anthem. The Brainerd Panthers visited the Hixson Wildcats in the first night of TSSAA football action on August 21, 2020.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Wearing a mask a Brainerd cheerleader stands at attention for the National Anthem. The Brainerd Panthers visited the Hixson Wildcats in the first night of TSSAA football action on August 21, 2020.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Brainerd's Allen Ware (32) breaks a long run down the sidelines. The Brainerd Panthers visited the Hixson Wildcats in the first night of TSSAA football action on August 21, 2020.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / The Brainerd Panthers visited the Hixson Wildcats in the first night of TSSAA football action on August 21, 2020.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd /Brainerd's Terrance Thornhill (55) tackles Hixson's Logan Nyikee (2) for a loss. The Brainerd Panthers visited the Hixson Wildcats in the first night of TSSAA football action on August 21, 2020.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Hixson head coach Josh Ownesby questions a play by his offense. The Brainerd Panthers visited the Hixson Wildcats in the first night of TSSAA football action on August 21, 2020.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Hixson quarterback Woodall Bradley (11) passes from behind protection. The Brainerd Panthers visited the Hixson Wildcats in the first night of TSSAA football action on August 21, 2020.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Brainerd head coach Tyrus Ward calls his offense to the sidelines. The Brainerd Panthers visited the Hixson Wildcats in the first night of TSSAA football action on August 21, 2020.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Brainerd's Allen Ware (32) recovers a onside kick to give Brainerd the ball. The Brainerd Panthers visited the Hixson Wildcats in the first night of TSSAA football action on August 21, 2020.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Brainerd's Diamond Bates (42) goes for a long gain after a pass reception. The Brainerd Panthers visited the Hixson Wildcats in the first night of TSSAA football action on August 21, 2020.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Hixson's Burton Braxton (15) downs a punt inside the Brainerd 1-yard lines as Brainerd's Diamond Bates (42) looks on. The Brainerd Panthers visited the Hixson Wildcats in the first night of TSSAA football action on August 21, 2020.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Hixson's Davis Oryan (6) is brought down by a Panther defender. Oryan made a big catch on this play for Wildcat yardage. The Brainerd Panthers visited the Hixson Wildcats in the first night of TSSAA football action on August 21, 2020.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Brainerd fans social distance as the sun starts to set in the west. The Brainerd Panthers visited the Hixson Wildcats in the first night of TSSAA football action on August 21, 2020.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Wearing masks the Hixson High Air Force ROTC color guard presents the colors before the game. The Brainerd Panthers visited the Hixson Wildcats in the first night of TSSAA football action on August 21, 2020.

Allen Ware capped the outburst with a 20-yard run at the 3:10 mark to make it 21-0 headed into the second quarter.