Hawks drop second straight game
By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
DANVILLE - Hamilton’s Aggies—the top-ranked team in Class 3A, Region 7—exploded for three touchdowns in the first quarter and went on to hand Danville’s Hawks their second loss in the row, 44-14, at Smith-Owens Stadium Thursday night. The contest was originally scheduled on Friday but was pushed up a day because of impending inclement weather.
The Hawks dropped to 3-2 in area games and 5-2 on the season with the loss and must win their last two region games (Vinemont and J.B. Pennington) to clinch a berth in the state playoffs. Hamilton improved to 5-0 in region games and 6-1 overall and remained on top in region standings.
The Aggies demonstrated their offensive firepower on their first possession, marching 83 yards on six plays. Colby Mays capped the drive by scoring from a yard out with 9:08 left in the first period. Derek Doss, who had a 23-yard run and a 57-yard pass reception to set up the touchdown, booted the extra point to make the score 7-0.
They scored again with 4:54 left in the same period on a 67-yard pass from Mitch Stults to Codey Frederick.
Doss failed to convert the extra point and the score remained at 13-0.
Michael Evans intercepted a Danville pass to set up his team’s third touchdown. Stults responded by scoring from 12 yards out to cap a 58-yard drive on five plays. Doss converted the PAT to make the score 20-0 with 1:50 left in the first period.
The Aggies added another touchdown on a 62-yard run by Stults with 5:40 left in the second quarter. His pass for a two-point conversion fell incomplete and the score remained at 26-0.
The Hawks got their offense moving on their next possession thanks to a 64-yard touchdown run by Levi George. Mario Cortez kicked the extra point to make the score 26-7 with 5:16 left in the first half.
The Aggies boosted their lead to 32-7 on their next possession by marching 65 yards on eight plays. Ryan King capped the drive by scoring from 18 yards out on a pass from Stults. Doss missed on the extra point kick.
Doss intercepted a Danville pass and ran it back 52 yards for his team’s sixth touchdown. His kick for the extra point was blocked and the score stood at 38-7 with 2:34 left in the first half.
Clint McAbee accounted for Danville’s second score as he fielded the second half kick-off and returned it 90 yards. Cortez booted the extra point to make the score 38-14 with 11:44 left in the third period.
Hamilton logged its final touchdown on a five-yard run by Mays to cap a 65-yard drive on six plays.
A bad snap foiled the extra point attempt and the visitors led 44-14 with 7:40 left in the third period.
Hamilton had 471 yards rushing and passing combined while Danville had 145 yards.
George paced the Hawks with 86 yards rushing on 10 carries.
