MT. STERLING, Ill. — Tyce Fullerton was determined to avoid another playoff miss. After a torn ACL sidelined him for the final seven games of the previous season and left Brown County with a 3-6 record, Fullerton was eager to make an impact in 2023.
In the last regular season game against Pleasant Hill/Western, the Hornets, needing a win to secure a postseason spot, took the field with a 4-4 record. Fullerton stepped up, scoring two touchdowns in a convincing 34-14 victory that propelled the Hornets into the Class 1A playoffs.
“Not getting in last year was definitely our motivation,” Fullerton said. “To punch that ticket really feels good.”
Fullerton’s first touchdown came on the opening play of the second quarter, giving his team a 14-8 lead. He added another 1-yard touchdown shortly thereafter, capping off a substantial drive that lasted almost six minutes and extended the Hornets’ lead to 28-8. His brother, junior Trey Fullerton, contributed significantly during that drive with 29 rushing yards.
“I was just trying to block and get us down to the goal line,” Tyce Fullerton remarked, expressing his gratitude for the support of his teammates.
As the first half neared its end, junior quarterback Vince Little completed a crucial 32-yard pass to senior tight end Maverick Henry, setting up the Hornets on the 3-yard line. Two plays later, Trey Fullerton scored again, followed by a two-point conversion from Vince Little to Tyce Fullerton, pushing the lead to 14 points at halftime.
Brown County coach Tom Little noted the importance of the halftime score, stating the double-digit lead energized the team.
The Hornets then executed another lengthy drive in the fourth quarter, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown run by senior Hayden Hurley, widening their lead to 34-8.
Throughout the game, the Hornets showcased their depth, with nine players taking carries. Trey Fullerton noted their diverse attacking options would be challenging for opponents to defend.
The Wolves finally halted the Hornets’ point streak with a late touchdown from senior quarterback Brody Dolbeare to Tyler VanDyne. Despite finishing with a 2-7 record, Wolves coach Mike Giles believed his team had the potential to have been competitive if not for some missed opportunities during the season.
Tom Little echoed those sentiments, acknowledging the Wolves as a formidable opponent despite their record.
The Hornets, now 5-4, will discover their playoff matchup on Saturday during the IHSA’s playoff pairings show at 8 p.m. Ready for the challenge, Henry warned prospective opponents, “We’re one of the best 5-4 teams out there. Everyone is going to be scared of us.” Tyce Fullerton affirmed the team’s readiness, confidently stating, “We’re going to get it done next week.”