by George Commo

COLCHESTER — Jordan Hines rushed for three touchdowns and Liam Coulter added another score as the Essex Hornets overcame an early Colchester touchdown and went on to beat the Lakers 40-6 at the Lakers Field.

The Lakers, who shocked Essex a year ago with a final second hook and ladder touchdown to win their game, went with the same strategy on their first possession this time around. On their first play from scrimmage quarterback Alex O’Connell fired out in the right flat to outside receiver Tom Meadows who immediately pitched the ball to running back Matt Hesford. Hesford raced down the sideline to complete the 68 yard play and CHS had an early 6-0 lead.

But this time Essex had plenty of time to respond. Taking over at their own 29 the Hornets put together a 71 yard drive. With Coulter doing most of the work Essex took it down the field and quarterback Otis Crock finished  the drive with a six yard run to tie the game at six.

After forcing a Laker three and out the Hornets took it down field again, this time Hines scoring on a 12 yard run with 59 seconds left in the first quarter, and Crock’s two pint conversion run gave Essex a 14-6 lead after one.

After a scoreless second quarter Essex took the opening kickoff to begin the second half and put together a 55 yard drive, using 6:49 of clock time before Hines burst into the end zone from 15 yards out. Exactly two minutes later Coulter galloped home from 38 yards away for a 27-6 lead after three.

Hines on a 38 yard run of his own and Tyler Roberge on a 9 yard TD finished the scoring in the fourth.

Essex starts the season 1-0. They will host Mt. Anthony next Friday night. 0-1 Colchester will stay at home to host the Hartford Hurricanes.