After a big game on the ground to open the season, the Bulldogs were able to show a small portion of their aerial attack in Mountain City.

Quarterback Jason Russell tossed two touchdowns to Dakota Crumley while Hampton’s ground game kept up tradition in a 54-22 win over the Longhorns in nonconference action at Paul McEwen Stadium Friday night.

While the win was dominated, there was small miscues for the boys in blue that head coach Michael Lunsford is looking to fix in the coming games.

“We did great on the big things tonight, but it’s those little things that can cost you,” Lunsford said of the penalties and turnovers. “This game, it didn’t cost us, but when we go down the road, heading into the conference, it can cost you so we need to work on suring those things up.”

The ‘Horns got on the board early after Nevada Woodard scooped up a fumble on Hampton’s opening possession, setting up Johnson County’s first score –a 13-yard score from Bud Icenhour.

Russell provided a spark on the next possession, finding a wide open Dakota Crumley (two catches, 70 yards) for the first of his two scores on the night. The Dogs’ were able to find paydirt two more times in the first half from thanks to Adam McClain (15 carries, 166 yards, 3 TDs). The ‘Dogs bruiser rattled off a 76-yard score and a 10-yard rush to help Hampton take the 24-7 lead at halftime.

The passing facet proved to be of importance Friday night, Lunsford said.

“It is very important,” Lunsford said. “That’s something we need to do a little bit more of. The guys have been working hard to get better in the passing game. Our guys did great tonight but we need to work on getting more guys in the mix.”

Johnson County quarterback Nathan Arnold did cause some havoc on the ‘Dogs defense, helping his squad muster two more scores in the second half with Shane Greer and Gage Hampton.

But a defensive effort, led by the likes of Clay Fletcher, CJ Wilson, Danny Winters and Gavin Hardin helped keep the ‘Horns in check.

“They didn’t have much choice there afer halftime,” Lunsford said with a laugh about the play of the defensive ends. “They played much better there in the second half. There was a lot on them … we have a lot of new bodies in there trying to learn new positions. We’ve got some raw talent there, we just need to work on molding them for the rest of the year.”

Russell was able to find Crumley in the second half, this time from 45 yards out for a touchdown throw. Following a Johnson County turnover, McClain and Hunter Davenport scored back-to-back on the ground before Skyler Cole added the final score with a 45-yard interception return for a score to end the game.

Russell also left the game with an ankle injury but it expected to make a quick recovery.

Johnson County will host Elizabethton next week while the ‘Dogs will travel to Cosby.

Following the game, it was announced the Hampton and Johnson County junior varisty game will be played at J.C. Campbell Stadium Monday at 6 p.m.