HAZLEHURST — While Hazlehurst High School was scoring touchdowns with ease in the first quarter, Wilkinson County High School had a hard time putting the ball in the end zone until it was way too late.

Hazlehurst jumped out to a 20-0 lead after one quarter of play and the Indians rolled to a 34-8 win over Wilkinson County’s Wildcats Friday night in a pivotal MHSAA Division 7-3A game for both teams.

“We did the things we’re supposed to do. But we found ways to hurt ourselves,” Wilkinson County head coach Kenneth Brown said. “Stopping drives at crucial times. That’s what’s hurt us all year long. If we can get over that hump, we could stay close with them. We get in the red zone and we just can’t put the ball in the end zone.”

And with the Wildcats’ inability to score touchdowns when they need them, the Indians took advantage of the situation and put the game away early. By halftime, Hazlehurst (3-5, 2-1) enjoyed a 26-0 lead and the lead expanded to 34-0 in the third quarter.

However, Wilkinson County (2-7, 0-3) avoided being shut out when it scored a touchdown followed by a 2-point conversion early in the fourth quarter.

“The quarterback (Desmond Hunter) threw the ball well. The receivers are catching the ball. The kids are playing hard,” Brown said. “We’re going to keep plugging at it.”

The loss put the Wildcats in a deep hole at 0-3 in the division standings, meaning they will have to win their last two regular-season games and get some help to make the playoffs.

The win for the Indians, coupled with Wesson’s win over Jefferson County, put all three teams at 2-1 in division play, just one game back of Franklin County.

Wilkinson County plays host to Crystal Springs in a battle of winless teams in Division 7-3A at 7 p.m. Friday.