Danville falls in the opening round of the 3A state playoffs

Gage Taylor runs the ball in the Hawks’ loss to Mars Hill in the first round of the 3A state playoffs. Photo by Amelia Williams
Gage Taylor runs the ball in the Hawks’ loss to Mars Hill in the first round of the 3A state playoffs. Photo by Amelia Williams

FLORENCE - Danville’s season ended with a 62-7 loss to No. 1 Mars Hill in the first round of the 3A state playoffs.

The Hawks scored their only points late in the second quarter when Benjamin Ellenburg connected with Gage Taylor for a 68-yard touchdown pass.

Taylor finished with five receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 21 yards on four carries. Ellenburg was 2-for-2 passing for 82 yards and a touchdown, while Jace Glenn was 5-of-11 passing for 61 yards.

The Panthers ran for 490 yards in the win, with Hudson Higgins leading the rushing attack with 164 and two touchdowns on four carries, while Jay Dobbs had 126 yards and two touchdowns on two carries.