Alex Hamby knows how to get things started.

Hamby returned the opening kickoff of last night’s game between the Pleasant Home Eagles and the McKenzie Tigers 84 yards for a touchdown.

The quick score gave the Eagles an early 6-0 lead and this time they held on for the win. McKenzie knotted the score at 6-6 when quarterback Sattrick Rudolph scored on a 22-yard run.

Pleasant Home answered with its quarterback. Brad Sanders broke off a 21-yard run for a touchdown with 15 seconds left in the first quarter for a 12-6 lead. Pleasant Home got two more points in the second quarter when the McKenzie punter inadvertently stepped out of the back of the end zone on a punt.

Pleasant Home was on top 14-6 at the half and this time they did not wear out in the second stanza.

Clark Sanders added to Pleasant Home’s lead with a one-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. His score gave the Eagles a 20-6 lead.

Rudolph tried to lead the Tigers for a comeback win.

He found Matthew Bush on a four-yard pass play for a touchdown with 2:58 remaining in the game.

It was not enough as the Eagles held on for a 20-12 win.

The McKenzie Tigers are now 1-1 on the season and will host the Goshen Eagles next Friday.

Pleasant Home travels to Kinston night for another important region game.