Essex Junction — Sophomore running back Jordan Hines ran for three touchdowns as the Essex Hornets did their part to try and keep their Division One playoff hopes alive, racing past the South Burlington Rebels 43-0 on Friday night on the Essex Field.

Hines scored on TD runs of 50, 22 and 63 yards for the Hornets, who built a 36-0 halftime lead and then cruised home for their third win of the season. Fullback Liam Coulter added two and seven yard touchdown runs, senior quarterback Eli DiGrande hooked up with senior tight end Colby Trudeau on a 15 yard TD pass, and Essex scored a safety on a bad snap over the South Burlington punter’s head for the rest of their scoring.

Now 3-5 on the season, the Hornets will wait on the QPR numbers to decide whether they advance into the D-1 playoffs next week or have to settle for a consolation game. At 0-8 the Rebels will face cross-town rival Rice in a consolation game.