By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–After coming off what Helena head coach Watt Parker called “Helena’s most complete game of the season” a week prior against Calera, the Huskies were back at home this week to face the Sumter Central Jaguars where they cruised to a 49-14 homecoming victory.

Helena made a statement early that they were not going to have a let down as Helena’s first two offensive drives began at the Sumter Central 32 and 33 yard lines which resulted in points as the Huskies took advantage of the good field position.

Helena’s opening drive of the game was a six play, 32 yard drive capped off by an eight yard touchdown run by Helena running back Devan Walker to put the Huskies up 6-0. Walker finished with two touchdowns on the night.

The Jaguars defense would stop Helena’s offense on the next drive but Helena still came away with points after Helena kicker Jeremy Hughes made a 24 yard field goal to extend the Huskies lead to 9-0.

Parker thought his team played very well even with some of the distractions that might come with homecoming week.

“We came out with the right attitude and the right work ethic and that’s always a concern with homecoming week on how the kids might respond,” said Parker. “I thought we responded well.”

Helena would play a number of different players on the night as multiple guys saw action in the game.

Helena racked up 36 first half points to earn a large first half lead of 36-6 over the Jaguars.

Helena’s defense once again played strong as they have for most of the year giving up just 14 total points in the ballgame.

Sumter Central’s bright spot on offense came late in the third quarter as the Jaguars put together a long drive that ended with Jaguars running back Benji Blakely rushing for a nine yard touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter to cap off a 74 yard scoring drive.

Helena would add a score late in the game on a 10 yard touchdown run by Matthew Williams to bring the final score to 49-14.

Helena has now clinched a playoff spot for the second straight season and improved their record to 6-2 overall and 5-1 in region play as they try to earn home field advantage for the playoffs.

The Huskies will travel to Central Tuscaloosa on Friday, Oct. 23 in the last area game matchup of the regular season.