Hawks top Eagles in hard-fought win

By KATIE MOORE
Posted 9/14/16

The home bleachers are full, fans ready to cheer on the Hawks at their first home game of the 2016 season. Parents, alumni, and students all wait in anticipation for the game to begin—but they keep …

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Hawks top Eagles in hard-fought win

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The home bleachers are full, fans ready to cheer on the Hawks at their first home game of the 2016 season. Parents, alumni, and students all wait in anticipation for the game to begin—but they keep waiting, as news spreads that the officiating team is a no-show. After two backup officials arrive, the game finally kicks off, with the Hawks hosting the Como-Pickton Eagles and two coaches serving on opposite sides as line judges.

After a down-to-the-wire loss to Cushing last week, the Hawks were able to pull out their first win of the season on their home turf with a score of 46-40.

“We have made great strides since the first week and are beginning to get some back from injuries, which helps with depth and production,” Coach Bryan Price said before Friday’s game. “Expect an inspired performance from the Hawks Friday in front of the home crowd.”Price believes the losses the Hawks have faced are a lead-up to a great season.

“With new offensive and defensive schemes this year, we knew there would be a learning curve and time for our kids to get comfortable with what we are doing,” Price said. “Our last game was an opportunity to for our players to grow and learn how to handle adversity.”

The Hawks struck the first blow Friday night, with a score on their first

possession, but they failed to get the PAT. Como soon scored, making the game

6-6, and the back-and-forth began. The two teams each managed to drive down the field and score again quickly, putting the Hawks ahead 20-13 by halftime.

After halftime, each team continued to score on almost every possession. Hawkins had trouble converting extra points and nailing PATs, giving Como a chance to edge ahead at times. At the end of the third quarter, Hawkins running back Tristian Garrett got ejected for a personal foul, furthering the tension.

Late in the fourth quarter, Hawkins pulled ahead, putting the score at 46-40. Como had 1:20 to get down the field and into scoring position, but with seconds left on the clock, their deep pass was intercepted by junior Hawk Everin Gipson, running the clock out.

The Hawks will travel to Timpson Friday.