Hennessey rally falls short against Blackwell

Despite pitching a second- half shutout, Hennessey’s comeback attempt - and perhaps its best shot at a win - fell just short on Thursday.

Blackwell intercepted a late desperation pass to seal a 24-22 victory on the road, giving the Maroons their first win of this season and the first since Week 1 of 2022.

Jakob Johns hauled in a Gunnar Holder pass with 2:06 to play to bring the Eagles to the brink of an epic comeback.

They trailed 24-8 at halftime, but the late TD had the Eagles within just two points.

But the Eagles’ twopoint conversion failed as did their attempt at an onside kick.

Still, Hennessey’s defense forced a punt with 30 seconds to play, but the Maroons were able to pressure Holder into two incompletions before the game-sealing interception.

Hennessey is now 0-7 on the season and 0-4 in District 2A-1 games.

Blackwell is 1-6 and 1-3. The Maroons scored four straight TDs in the first half - three of them in the second quarter - to stake their 16-point lead.

Hennessey began to mount its comeback attempt late in the third quarter when it pieced together an 8-play, 65-yard drive.

Jessin Hardin capped the drive with a 30-yard TD run for the Eagles.

They pulled within 2416 after completing the two-point conversion.

It was also Hennessey that scored first…and quickly.

Blackwell received the opening kickoff, but an errant snap on the Maroons’ first play from scrimmage sailed the ball back to their own 1.

That’s where Cameron Griffin pounced on the fumble, which set up Holder’s 1-yard run on the next play.

But the Eagle offense didn’t score again until late in the third.

Holder threw for 129 yards, but was picked off three times.

Weston Smith caught seven passes for 43 yards.

Johns’ three receptions covered 64 yards.

Hennessey ran the ball 12 times for 83 yards. Hardin had 80 yards on just seven attempts.

The defense was led by freshman Erik Rojo’s 13 tackles.

Jessin Hardin added 12 stops and Tyler Byrd 11.

The Maroons were effective moving the ball on the ground, where they gained 348 yards.

Kruz Goff had TD runs of 54, 9, 24 and 10 yards for the guests.

Hennessey hits the road the next two weeks as it plays at Alva on Friday and at Millwood in Week 9.