Danville offense proves too much for New Hope

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
DANVILLE - Danville’s Hawks scored three touchdowns in the first half on the strength of a well-executed spread offense and went on to defeat New Hope’s Indians 21-13 in a pre-season game at Smith-Owens Stadium Friday night.
Clint McAbee reeled off a 39-yard touchdown run the first time he touched the ball and Mario Cortez booted the extra point to give the Hawks: a 7-0 lead with 10:30 left in the first period. Two touchdown passes followed on the Hawks’ fourth and fifth possessions. Quarterback Caleb Hill and Tyler Beck connected on a 39-yard touchdown pass with 7:23 left in the second quarter and Hill hit Evan Cleghorn with a 57-yard touchdown pass with 3:49 left in the same period. Cortez converted both extra points to give the Hawks a 21-7 first half advantage.
The Indians tied the score at 7-all on a 52-yard punt return and an extra point conversion with 7:23 left in the second period. They also scored on a 51-yard run with 1:16 left in the third period but missed the extra point attempt.
The Indians lost the ball three times on fumbles in the first half and the Hawks coughed up the ball once following a completed pass.
Reserves on both teams played the second half. Punts and kickoffs were not allowed by agreement of the coaches.
The Hawks completed 10 of 18 passes for 132 yards and had 184 yards rushing. Hill completed six passes in 11 attempts in the first half for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Levi George led the team in rushing with 68 yards on six carries.