Return investment: Sefton’s TD to open second half propels Hornets to WIVC North victory

MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — About the time Brown County sophomore Jack Sefton was finishing off his touchdown return to open the second half, there was a distinct sound accompanying his 80-yard sprint to the end zone.

With each step Sefton advanced toward the first kick return score of his career, the slow hiss of momentum draining from any would-be opportunity for victory Unity-Payson may have entertained grew more prominent.

Sefton’s score provided Brown County with some much-needed breathing room en route to a 32-0 Western Illinois Valley Conference North Division victory in front of a Friday night crowd of 750. 

“That return was a backbreaker,” said Brown County coach Tom Little, whose club improved to 1-2 overall and 1-0 in the WIVC North.

Brown County had been clinging to an 8-0 halftime lead, an advantage that was immediately doubled following Trey Fullerton’s conversion run on the heels of Sefton’s score.

“That return killed us,” Unity-Payson coach Matt Woodworth said.

Woodworth felt the Mustangs “did not have the same energy and was not the same team” following Sefton’s runback.

Sefton, too, said he and his Brown County teammates could sense his return was a turning point and the Hornets had seized control of the game. Sefton was eager to share the glory as well.

“On the return, I had two great blocks from (Matt) Boylen and (Trey) Fullerton,” Sefton said.

Sefton also felt the kick return lifted a cloud of frustration for Brown County, whose 0-2 start had been plagued by a lack of scoring. The Hornets had lost their first two games to Greenfield Northwestern (6-0) and West Central (10-8).

“It had been frustrating the first two weeks, but we were able to pick it up tonight on offense,” Sefton said. “And our defense was strong again.”

The Brown County defense surrendered just 33 yards of offense. The Hornets, spurred by linebackers Tanner Sitze, Bowlen and Tyce Fullerton, held the Mustangs to minus-33 yards on the ground. Brown County’s defense rolled up nine sacks of Unity quarterback Sawyer Allen, who was under all sorts of pressure whenever he dropped back to attempt a pass.

“Our offense is coming on now,” Little said. “It’s catching up with our defense. We just need to put together four solid quarters.”

Brown County’s other touchdowns were supplied by Trey Fullerton on a 9-yard burst in the second quarter, Tyce Fullerton via a 20-yard run in the third period and a 9-yard pass from quarterback Vince Little to Hunter Law in the fourth quarter. 

Brown County also had two long touchdown plays called back because of penalties, a 73-yard run by Kanye Mitchell in the second quarter and  a 60-yard reception by Tyce Fullerton in the fourth.

Mitchell was a force on both sides of the ball. He’s a running back on offense and serves as nose guard on defense.

“He’s electric,” Tom Little said. “Kanye has a great motor, and he’s a great kid.”

Mitchell sloughed off any praise concerning his own game, preferring to look at the bigger picture.

“I was just so excited for this game,” he said. “I just like football.”

Tom Little also lauded the work of right guard Cooper Adcox and center Dylan Reische for their hole-opening abilities that helped Brown County stockpile 217 yards on the ground.

“Our offensive line was definitely a key,” Tyce Fullerton said. “We’re getting closer to where we should be.”

Trey Fullerton led Brown County’s rushing attack with 83 yards. 

“Brown County wore us down (defensively) in the second half, and I’m not sure where our offense was,” Woodworth said. “We’re not playing as a cohesive team right now.”

Allen supplied most of Unity’s offensive highlights, completing 11 of 19 passes for 87 yards.