Slippery Rock quarterback Bailey Mertens puts his hand down to try and keep his balance Friday night at Slippery Rock High School. The Rockets played tough, but were overwhelmed by Hickory's offense in a 45-21 defeat.

SLIPPERY ROCK — Following a 9-yard touchdown run by Slippery Rock High quarterback Bailey Mertens late in the first quarter that tied the score at 7-7, the Rockets' fans had a sense something special could be happening.

That feeling was short-lived, however, as Hickory scored 38 unanswered points to roll to a 45-21 region victory.

The Hornets got on the board first as they marched 38 yards in four plays on their first offensive possession, capped off by a 20-yard touchdown run by Chuck Carr.

Carr, who came into the game with 400-plus yards and nine touchdowns already this season, finished with 154 yards on 27 carries.

Carr, though, was held to just 65 yards in the first half. He did, however, surpass the 5,000 yard mark for his career during the first half.

Slippery Rock coach Larry Wendereusz knew his team had to stop Carr if they were to have a chance.

“We wanted to make them beat us in the passing game,” Wendereusz said.

While Carr was held in check in the first half, the Hornets did have success through the air.

Luke Brennan threw three first-half touchdown passes and ended the game with 128 yards through the air for Hickory (3-0).

After the Rockets tied the game, the Hornets regained the lead on the last play of the first quarter, and tacked on another touchdown midway through the second.

Jacob Scarton, who was six for six on extra points, closed the first half scoring with a 45 yard field goal to give Hickory a 24-7 halftime lead.

Hickory coach Bill Brest was impressed with the way Slippery Rock played in the first half.

“Slippery Rock did some nice things in the first half,” Brest said. “They had a great scheme and did a great job (on Carr).”

Hickory came out of the locker room and put the game away with their running attack in the third quarter, as Carr gained 89 yards on the ground in the frame. The Hornets added another TD on the first play of the fourth quarter.

The Rockets didn't go down without a fight, however.

They put two late touchdowns on the board on a Hunter Prementine 85 yard punt return and a 21-yard touchdown run by Jacob Shaffer.

Seth Slater led a balanced Rockets' ground attack with 70 yards on just five carries, as five Slippery Rock carriers rushed for over 20 yards in the game.

Despite the loss, Wendereusz isn't discouraged.

“We have improved every week,” Wendereusz said. “We just have to stay on track and continue to get better.”