With its full slate of non-conference games now in the rearview mirror, Hillside football was looking for a spark against rival Riverside to open conference play.
The Hornets got what they were looking for.
Ameil Braswell, who has averaged more than 100 yards per game this season, had another solid game on the ground to help lead the Hornets past the Pirates, 45-7.
Riverside wide receiver Cole Schweitz (1) gets the first down off a pass reception against Hillside’s Kaleb Lott (7) and Kaleb Lott (8) during the second half. The Durham Hillside Hornets and the Durham-Riverside Pirates met in a football game in Durham. N.C. on October 4, 2024.
Hillside (2-4) jumped out to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter.
The Hornets added three more touchdowns — all on the ground — in the second to take a commanding 32-0 advantage into halftime. Braswell had a pair of those scores.
The Pirates (2-3) had a hard time finding traction on offense against a stout Hillside group.
Hillside tacked on another TD late in the third on a Xavier Stevenson run to put the game away. The Hornets’ final points came in the fourth quarter when Christian Cook picked off a pass a returned it for a score.
Riverside avoided the shutout when, in the fourth, the defense forced a fumble and returned it for a touchdown.
The Pirates get a second crack at their first conference win next week when they travel to Chapel Hill.
The Hornets look to make it two wins in a row in a home game against Northern Durham next week.
Riverside’s Cole Schweitz (1) and the Riverside Pirates run onto the field before their game with Hillside. The Durham Hillside Hornets and the Durham-Riverside Pirates met in a football game in Durham. N.C. on October 4, 2024.
Hillside defensive end Khaleel Jackson (47) grapples Riverside quarterback Tre Belcher (7) and forces the fumble during the first half. The Durham Hillside Hornets and the Durham-Riverside Pirates met in a football game in Durham. N.C. on October 4, 2024.
Hillside running back Jacori Douglas (0) in the end zone after scoring the touchdown against Riverside during the first half. The Durham Hillside Hornets and the Durham-Riverside Pirates met in a football game in Durham. N.C. on October 4, 2024.
Riverside’s Channing Gaines (12) reacts after a play against Hillside during the first half. The Durham Hillside Hornets and the Durham-Riverside Pirates met in a football game in Durham. N.C. on October 4, 2024.
Hillside running back Ameil Braswell (11) celebrates his touchdown against Riverside with teammates during the first half. The Durham Hillside Hornets and the Durham-Riverside Pirates met in a football game in Durham. N.C. on October 4, 2024.
Riverside wide receiver Cole Schweitz (1) stretches for the yardage against Hillside’s Maurice Brandon (15) and Kaleb Lott (7) during the first half. The Durham Hillside Hornets and the Durham-Riverside Pirates met in a football game in Durham. N.C. on October 4, 2024.
Hillside’s Erick Bonner (3) is tackled by Riverside’s Darryn Johnson (24) off the punt return during the first half. The Durham Hillside Hornets and the Durham-Riverside Pirates met in a football game in Durham. N.C. on October 4, 2024.
Hillside defensive end Elijah Stevenson (13) grapples Riverside quarterback Tre Belcher (7) during the first half. The Durham Hillside Hornets and the Durham-Riverside Pirates met in a football game in Durham. N.C. on October 4, 2024.
