By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

The Morgan Academy Senators were on a mission when they traveled to Hope Hull Friday night, and the mission was a success, as they defeated the Hooper Academy Colts 26-12 to clinch a spot in the AISA Class 3A state playoffs.

The Senators (4-3, 3-2) relied on a power running game to beat the Colts (5-3, 2-2) as Parker Hughes led Morgan with 273 yards and four touchdowns on 35 carries.

“We clinched playoffs today, but our main focus now is to fight for that third seed and get the best position we can to advance in the playoffs,” said Brian King, head football coach at Morgan. “It was a just a tough, knock down, drag-out battle and we survived again. I’m just proud of them.”

The Senators will need a win at home Friday night against Kingwood Christian School to clinch the third seed in the playoffs.

The Colts came out the gates strong as they gained 65 yards on a halfback pass to get down to the Senators 4-yard line on the opening play of the game.

The Senators held for three plays, but the Colts would eventually get the score to take a 6-0 lead. Three possessions later, the Senators would drive down the field and answer with a Hughes touchdown run to make the score 7-6, which would remain the score into the half.

In the third, the Senators would get a big play from their defense as Kyle Stewart intercepted a Hooper pass and returned it down to the Colts’ 4-yard line. The Senators would score again a few plays later and never looked back. Morgan returns home next Friday night when they play Kingwood Christian School in another important region contest.