First win ignites Danville

By By Todd Thompson, Hartselle Enquirer
There’s some early excitement around Danville after the Hawks thoroughly thrashed Hatton 35-0 last week.
The win in the season opener means that Hawks will go into week No. 2 following a win for the first time since the 2005 season. But don’t expect anyone to be making any room just yet in the school’s trophy case.
Danville will open Class 3A, Region 7 play this week at Hanceville, a team that the Hawks have beaten eight times in 11 meetings.
And Danville fans are expecting that dominance to continue as the Hawks try to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2004.
Now the enemy - along with the next nine opponents - is overconfidence. Burch believes that experience will keep the team’s confidence in check.
The last time Danville won its opener, the Hawks came back and lost to Sulligent by six points the next week.
Most of the team’s current seniors were forced into starting roles as sophomores. And they didn’t experience a whole lot of winning.
As sophomores, they went 1-9 with a 54-0 victory over Hanceville the lone bright spot.
Last year, when the Hawks had strong playoff hopes, they finished 4-6.
Now those same kids are a year older and a whole lot closer to returning football success to Danville.
Sports editor Todd Thompson can be reached at 773-6566 or at todd.thompson@hartselleenquirer.com