Brook Hill started strong against undefeated Alto, but gave up 21 points in the second quarter to the perennial power from Class 2A to eventually come up short, 33-20, Friday in a non-district game at Herrington Stadium.

Guard senior quarterback McCray Fletcher passed for 236 yards and a touchdown with junior Jordon McGowen scoring two touchdowns in the loss.

Brook Hill led twice in the first half. The Guard struck first on a 1-yard TD run from McGowen late in the first quarter. Caleb Chadwell’s extra point made it 7-0 with 2:44 remaining in the quarter.

Alto answered, but missed on its PAT attempt to leave the score, 7-6. The Yellow Jackets then took the lead 12-7, but Brook Hill fired right back with McGowen again doing the honors with a 1-yard TD blast. Brook Hill attempted a 2-point conversion, which failed, leaving the score 13-12 Guard.

The visitors retook the lead and added another score just before the half to place Brook Hill in a 27-13 hole at halftime.

Fletcher and senior receiver Jacob Dumesnil pulled the Guard to within a touchdown by hooking up for a 9-yard score. Chadwell’s PAT made the score 27-20 with 6:40 remaining in the third quarter.

But Alto did not allow Brook Hill to draw any closer, holding the Guard scoreless after that in an eventual 33-20 loss.

The Guard drop to 1-2 as Brook Hill have a bye week to prepare for their TAPPS Division II District 2 opener against Dallas Christian (2-1). That game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 at Herrington Stadium.

Alto 33, Brook Hill 20

Alto          6       21     0    6    —    33

Guard     7        6       7    0    —    20

Guard Stats

Passing: McCray Fletcher, 21 of 43 for 236 yards, 1 TD

Rushing (13 for 88, 2 TDs): Jeremiah McGowen, 6 carries for 20 yards; Jordon McGowen, 3 rushes for 2 yards, 2 TDs; McCray Fletcher, 3 carries for 57 yards; Jacob Dumesnil, 1 rush for 9 yards.

Receiving (21 catches for 236 yards, 1 TD): Seth Brasher, 8 catches for 138 yards; Parker Galbraith, 1 catch for 0 yards; Ryan Cox, 9 catches for 49 yards; Jacob Dumesnil, 1 catch for 9 yards, 1 TD; Jeremiah McGowen, 2 catches for 54 yards.