The Cook Hornets rallied from an early 14-0 deficit but couldn’t complete another comeback as they fell to the Appling County Pirates 27-20 on Friday night.

Trailing by a score late in the fourth quarter and facing fourth-and-15, the Hornets (2-3) went deep looking for a potential game-tying TD pass but saw it intercepted with 1:13 left in regulation.

The Pirates had 380 yards of total offense, while the Hornets finished with 332. Although the Hornets had 16 first-downs to the Pirates’ 15, penalties did them in as they were flagged for 13 penalties for 85 yards –– 10 of which came in the second half.

Jamarion Walker shined for the Hornets in the loss as he had 26 carries for 155 yards with a touchdown and a two-point conversion. Keyshawn Lucy had seven carries for 55 yards and caught a 35-yard TD pass. 

Quarterback Tre Williams, who did not play in the second half due to an injury, completed all four of his passes for 71 yards, including a TD toss to Trey Smith in the first half.

With the loss, the Hornets have now lost their past three games after a 2-0 start.

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Cook travels to Thomasville to take on the Thomasville Bulldogs next Friday.