Danville wraps up playoff berth

By Staff
Todd Thompson, Hartselle Enquirer
BLOUNTSVILLE - Forced into a must-win situation by a three-game losing streak, Danville beat J.B. Pennington 10-7 Thursday night to claim the Hawks’ first post-season appearance since the 2004 season.
Danville scored all 10 points in the final 12:10 of the game.
The win secured Danville’s first winning season since 2004 when the Hawks finished with a 9-2 mark in Joey Burch’s third season as the Danville head coach.
Over the last 15 years, Danville has posted just two winning seasons.
Danville improved to 6-3 overall with the win. The Hawks are 4-3 in Class 3A, Region 7 play.
The Hawks will play at Madison Academy in two weeks in the first round of the Class 3A state playoffs.
J.B. Pennington dropped to 2-5 in the region and 2-7 overall.
The two teams battled to a 0-0 tie at the half after Danville wasted a couple of scoring opportunities in the opening quarter.
J.B. Pennington’s lone touchdown came with 4:49 remaining in the third quarter when Wesley Stewart capped the drive with a 2-yard run.
Charlie Rojas added the extra point to give the Tigers a 7-0 advantage.
Danville answered with a 24-yard Mario Cortez field goal with just 10 seconds left in the third quarter to trim the Tigers’ advantage to 7-3.
The Hawks added a touchdown run by David Cortez midway through the fourth quarter to take the lead for the first time.
Danville had a chance to add to the lead late in the fourth quarter when the Hawks drove to the 20-yard line, but turned the ball over on downs with 3:18 remaining.
J.B. Pennington threatended in the final minute of play, but Danville stopped the Tigers on a fourth-and-1 play with 32 seconds left in the game.
Danville will return to action this week at home against Falkville Friday.