Corbin Pierson throws a pass downfield in Friday night's contest against Dominion. David Pennock

STERLING, Va. — Trey Hayes led a spirited comeback by Dominion (Virginia) with his four rushing touchdowns that finally were enough to submerge the Cougars, 27-20, after Jefferson once held a two-touchdown lead.

Dominion, which had won its first game of the season just the week before, was held scoreless through the first half. But then Hayes made his presence known — and then some.

With Jefferson holding a 14-0 lead behind the two rushing scores of Francis Diaz, Hayes became the center of attention with his nose for the end zone.

His 65-yard run for points was Dominion’s first offensive response of the chilly homecoming night. Dominion trailed only 14-7.

When Hayes rambled wide for a 71-yard score, all of Jefferson’s early lead had vanished, leaving the game tied at 14-14.

Francis Diaz tries to regain control of the football, after it was knocked out of his hand during a run against Dominion on Friday night. David Pennock

It was soon 20-14, with the Cougars and Diaz answering Hayes’ second score and moving ahead once again.

But Dominion had found ways to move along the ground. And the one sure way was to give the football to Hayes and let him eat up the yardage.

Hayes’ third touchdown of the second half came ,when he romped 32 yards to a game-tying score.

When Jefferson denied the extra point after Hayes third touchdown, the game was knotted at 20-20.

Jefferson botched the ensuing kickoff, losing possession to Dominion and Hayes, inside its own 35 and giving the visitors a short field to negotiate.

Nick Smith brings down a Dominion runner in the backfield against Dominion on Friday night. David Pennock

Hayes negotiated the yardage all right. He scored for the fourth time after several of his runs had given Dominion a first down inside the eight.

There was only time enough for one more Jefferson offensive possession. And that possession did not yield the Cougars any points.

Hayes had scored four times after the long homecoming half time break. Diaz had scored three times himself, but his points weren’t enough.

Dominion had its second win. Jefferson had a 1-5 overall record.

After an open date on Oct. 11, the Cougars return to Shenandoah Junction to face once-beaten South Hagerstown on Oct. 18. And on Oct. 25, the Cougars will be at Cobourn Field in Martinsburg to test the Bulldogs, still unbeaten and holding a 48-game streak after brushing past Washington, 62-0, with all 62 points coming in the first half. Martinsburg has a date at unbeaten Salem (Virginia) High School before it welcomes the Cougars to its home grounds.