The Hinesville Hurricanes fell just short April 20 to the Georgia Pirates, 21-12, in Augusta in a battle of top-seeded teams in the United Spring Football League.
The Pirates scored first on a 78-yard rushing touchdown and converted the extra point for a 7-0 lead. The Hurricanes’ Tracey Lewis picked off a pass right at Hinesville goal line and took it back 100 yards for a touchdown. However, the Hurricanes missed the extra point and trailed, 7-6.
In the second quarter, the Pirates methodically drove the ball down the field for another touchdown and a 14-6 lead. However, Hurricane defender Tank Rutherford killed another potential Pirate touchdown with a pick in the end zone to close the first half.
Rutherford opened the third quarter with another interception, which he returned for 25 yards. That set up a 15-yard touchdown run by Larry Albert to make the score 14-12. But in the fourth quarter the Pirates mounted another touchdown drive to make it 21-12. Hinesville held the Pirates for the remainder of the game but was unable to notch another score.
Alfonse Brewster had seven sacks for the Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes finished the regular season at 4-2 overall and will host the Walterboro Commanders at 7 p.m. May 4 at Long Bell Stadium in Hinesville for the first round of the playoffs. If they win, they advance to the second round in Augusta.
Tickets for the playoff game are $5 for adults; children 12 and younger are admitted free. Raffle prizes will be awarded. Ticket stubs must be presented to claim prizes.