Host Hallandale relied heavily on its defense in a 17-7 victory over Plantation in its regular-season opener on Thursday. Hallandale recovered five of the six fumbles it forced against Plantation.

“Our defense bailed us out and our offense made plays at the end when we needed them,” Hallandale coach Dameon Jones said.

A 43-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Huntley to Qua’Mani Floyd staked the Chargers to an early 7-0 lead. After Hallandale added a field goal in the second quarter, Plantation countered with a 2-yard touchdown run by Jovante Ham in the second quarter to trim the deficit to 10-7 at halftime.

Leading by three points late in the fourth quarter, the Chargers completed a third-and-8 pass from the Colonels’ 29-yard line to receiver Aaron Plantt, which set up a 4-yard touchdown run by Huntley to seal the game.

Elsewhere

•  Piper 45, Pompano Beach 6: Visiting Piper spoiled coach Larry Cherry’s debut with Pompano Beach after building a 23-0 cushion in the third quarter.

The teams combined for 21 penalties for 137 yards.

The Bengals (1-0) took a 15-0 lead at halftime with Arrik Young scoring both touchdowns. Young put Piper on the board first by virtue of a 58-yard punt return, with Ricky Ricardo kicking the extra point for the 7-0 lead.

With 57 seconds remaining in the half, Young scored on a 10-yard pass from Jessie Barrows and Danny Thomas ran in the two-point conversion to complete the first-half scoring. Pompano Beach (0-1) posted its biggest threat of the half when it reached the Piper 17 following a completion in the final drive before time ran out.

Defense and special teams took over in the second half with Dominic Simpson blocking a punt and making the recovery for one of the scores.

Piper’s defense sacked Tornadoes quarterback Michael Privitere four times, including one for a safety.

Dash Francois and Lendrick Thompson scored rushing touchdowns before the running clock took over the fourth quarter.

Pompano Beach’s lone score came on Privitere’s 46-yard touchdown pass to Emmanuel Black that cut the Bengals’ lead to 23-7, before Piper scored 22 unanswered points to complete the rout.

CONCEPCION LEDEZMA