The Hurricanes, Hinesville’s semi-pro football team, are off to a solid start after going 2-0 in the pre-season and now 2-0 in the first regular-season games. The ’Canes beat the Tri-County Panthers 20-6 last weekend and defeated the East Georgia Rebels 14-6 on Saturday in Portal.

In the Rebels game, both defenses held strong as they closed the first quarter scoreless.

In the second quarter, a Hurricane offensive drive was capped off by a 6-yard touchdown run by Devon Gray.

With 1:46 left before intermission, ’Canes quarterback Shawn Jones hit Tyrone Gaines for a 46- yard touchdown reception.

After converting both extra points, the ’Canes went up 14 -0.

Tracey Lewis returned the kick in the second half, giving the Hurricanes good field position at the 49-yard line. However, the drive was killed when the Hinesville team fumbled the ball after a 20-yard run by Joseph Matavao.

The Rebels recovered the fumble and scored on the next drive. They were unable to convert the extra point.

’Canes punt returner Charles Crossley had a 98-yard return called back to his team’s 2-yard line after drawing a penalty call.

The Hinesville boys brought the ball back out to the 27-yard line before a miscue between the center and the quarterback gave the ball back to the Rebels.

"The Rebels had several opportunities to score, but could not convert against our lights out defense," defensive captain James Sharp III said. "On their final drive, Crossley and Lewis once again denied them a chance to score."

The Hurricanes will enter a bye week after the Savannah Venoms canceled the game that had been scheduled for this Saturday. The boys now have plenty of time to prepare for the Columbia Flying Raiders, who were undefeated last year at 10-0 during the regular season and 13-1 overall. The Raiders beat the Hurricanes in last season’s championship game.

The ’Canes host the Raiders at 7 p.m. June 26.