By Maurice Singleton/Sports Writer

KILN — Hancock (4-4, 2-1) took advantage of six Gautier turnovers and capitalized on the arm of senior quarterback Justin Wedgeworth as the Hawks held off the Gautier Gators (5-3, 1-2) 50-43 on Friday night.

Gautier led 43-42 and was threatening to build on its lead with a 38-yard pass completion to the Hawks 40-yard line. But on the very next play, Derrick Smith got the read on an ill-advised Gators’ pass, intercepting it and giving the Hawks’ offense the opportunity they needed with just over four minutes to play.

Wedgeworth would lead the Hawks on a 9-play drive, completing six passes, culminating with a six-yard scoring toss to senior wide receiver Aspen Farve to take the lead at 48-43. Wedgeworth would connect with Farve again on the 2-point conversion to close out the game’s scoring.

The interception was the second interception of the second half as Coleton Hopgood would score on a 33-yard pick-6 to get the Hawks back within one score (35-28) after Gautier scored on the first snap of the second half to extend their lead to two scores at (35-21).

“The pick-6 was huge,” said Hancock coach Mike King. “I give hats off to the defense. When they got that interception return for the touchdown, that turned the game around. You know, 50-43, not a whole of defense going on here tonight, but they were opportunistic.

“It’s awesome,” King said of the win. “I hope they start believing that we can play with anybody. Some weeks it feels like we do; some weeks it feels like we don’t know if we belong. But I hope we can change the culture here and get to a point that every game, we know we have a chance to show up and play our best.”

Hancock took a 21-14 lead early in the second quarter, but Gautier would go on a three-touchdown run in just over three minutes of game clock. Junior Latrell Pogue score on a 60-yard run with 2:48 left on the second-quarter clock.

Hancock failed to pick up a first down on their ensuing possession, and the Gators would respond again. Junior quarterback Tylan Moore would connect with Pogue on a 67-yard pass play to the Hancock 5-yard line. Pogue would close out the first-half scoring with a 5-yard carry to close out the first half scoring, giving the Gators a 28-21lead at halftime.Pogue would close out the three-score run with a 55-yard scoring carry on the first snap of the second half, and the Gators would have their biggest lead of the game at 35-21.

The pick-6 would put the Hawks within one score. Hancock would recover a Gators’ fumble on their ensuing possession, and the Hawks would respond. Once again, Wedgeworth would complete six passes. The sixth completion of the possession would go to senior tight end Aiden Harvanek for 13 yards and a touchdown. The Hawks decided to go for the 2-point conversion after the ball was placed on the one-and-a-half yard-line, following an offsides penalty against Gautier. Wedegworth would carry for the two-pointer, giving them a 36-35 lead.

Gautier capitalized on a Hancock fumble two possessions later near the Hancock 5-yard line. Pogue would score on a 1-yard carry, and he would carry for the 2-point conversion to give the Gators a 43-36 lead late in the third quarter.

Wedgeworth completed 35 of 45 passes for 292 yards and four touchdowns. Favre was on the receiving end of 10 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns.

Pogue led Gautier with 197 rushing yards and three touchdowns.