The R.C. Hatch Bobcats (2-5) wanted to bounce back from a tough loss last week but the turnover bug bit them instead and they fell Friday night at home to the Francis Marion Rams (3-4), 14-6.

The entire first half was a battle of field position as neither team could muster a sustainable drive. Both offenses combined for a total of only eight first downs.

As time was waning in the second quarter, Hatch finally got some favorable field position due to a fake punt by the Rams that went awry.

No sooner than it all came together, on a third down and four from the Francis Marion 27, DeRodrick Norfleet’s arm was hit as he attempted a pass. The ball fell to the ground, was scooped up by a Ram defender and ran back sixty seven yards for a score with sixteen seconds left in the half.

The fireworks weren’t over as the Rams elected to go for the onside kick. After recovering the ball on the Bobcat thirty six yard line; Francis quarterback Toriance Herring hit his wide out for a twenty six yard gain to give the Rams a first and goal from the ten yard line with three seconds remaining in the second quarter. The next play resulted in an incomplete pass and ended the half with the Rams leading 6-0.

Trailing 14-0 and time dwindling in the forth quarter, Hatch had to make a move. It came in the form of a 65-yard touchdown pass from Norfleet to Devante Page which narrowed the lead to eight points.