AHOSKIE – Perhaps Hertford County High School should change the name of their football venue to Sarah Lee Stadium.

The Bears sure can serve-up some tasty turnovers, almost as good as old Sarah herself.

Bogged down by a half-dozen miscues (5 lost fumbles and an interception), Hertford County had its 2005 home opener spoiled here last night (Friday) where visiting Washington High sank their teeth into a 100-yard long green cookie sheet full of HCHS turnovers en route to a 41-20 thumping of the previously unbeaten Bears.

Despite their mistakes, HCHS still remained poised to snatch a win from the jaws of defeat.

Trailing 27-14 late in the third quarter, senior LaMarcus Bond thrilled the crowd with a 62-yard punt return for a touchdown. LaMarcus Jenkins threw a key block to spring his teammate towards the endzone.

But just when it seemed the Bears were about to turn the tide in their favor, Washington struck for a big play of their own.

Sparked by a 45-yard pass from Mat Tanner to Calvin Daniels, the Pam Pack answered right back with a quick four-play, 63-yard drive capped by Tanner's 16-yard TD pass to Jamont Jones. Donterrio Evans tacked on the PAT, upping Washington's lead to 34-20 with one second left on the third quarter clock.

With the exception of one last-gasp drive in the closing minutes, the Bears never threatened again.

Meanwhile, Washington was able to stretch its lead to 41-20 with 8:27 left in the game where Gerald Lawrence scored on a 4-yard run. That short 17-yard drive was set-up by a botched punt after a high snap.

The Bears took an early 7-0 lead, scoring on their first possession of the game after Bond picked-off Tanner's pass at his own 33 yardline. HCHS then took off on a 9-play, 67-yard drive capped by Tydreke Powell's 2-yard run at the 6:49 mark of the first quarter. Michael Burton booted the PAT.

But the Pam Pack had an answer and it came in the form of HCHS mistakes.

Tied at 7-7, Washington took the lead for-keeps after Daniels scooped-up an HCHS fumble and rumbled 46 yards to the Bears 24. Four plays later, Travis Daniels crashed into the endzone from one-yard out. Evans added the PAT for a 14-7 Pam Pack advantage at the 9:47 mark of the second period.

A high snap on HCHS' next possession resulted in a short punt that Washington used to set-up shop at the Bears 42. Sparked by T. Daniels' 34-yard scamper, the ‘Pack scored in just two plays as Evans ended the drive with an 8-yard run to paydirt.

Another HCHS fumble, this one returned 17 yards by Lee Watkins to the Bears one yardline, set-up Washington's next score. After a penalty moved the ball back to the six, Lawrence scored two plays later on a 3-yard run. The PAT was good as the visitors moved out to a 27-7 lead with 2:15 left before halftime.

HCHS did manage to put together an error-free drive following the ensuing kick-off. Sparked by several key runs by quarterback Danny Dembry, the Bears marched 63 yards in 7 plays. Dembry, who had 36 rushing on the drive, called his own number for the score, a 7-yard run with only 42 seconds left before the break. Burton added the PAT.

The Bears finished with 302 yards of total offense. Dembry, who was injured late in the game, led that effort with 91 rushing and 19 through the air.

Washington, who improved to 3-0, put-up 266 total yards led by T. Daniels (16 carries for 70 yards).

HCHS will travel to Northern Nash next Friday for a non-conference game vs. the Knights.