Danville made big strides in '09

By By Todd Thompson, Hartselle Enquirer
DANVILLE - The end for the Danville Hawks didn’t come without a fight.
Danville’s defense limited Madison Academy to just one first-half touchdown in the 21-3 loss in the opening round of the Class 3A state playoffs at Bill Washington Stadium.
Danville finished the season with a 7-4 record after reaching the state playoffs for the first time since the 2004 season.
The seven wins recorded by the Hawks this season equaled the programs’ win total from the three previous seasons.
Danville took a 3-0 lead on a 29-yard field goal from Mario Cortez, but the Hawks were unable to put anymore points on the scoreboard against the unbeaten Mustangs.
Madison Academy scored twice in the second half to put the game out of reach. The win was the Mustangs’ 11th of the season.
The Mustangs’ 21 points was the team’s lowest scoring output until a 17-13 victory over Winfield in the second round.
Madison Academy took the lead for good late in the second quarter when Jordan Kerr scored on a 9-yard run.
Danville had a chance to regain the lead in the third quarter after driving inside the Madison Academy 10-yard line, but the drive was halted when the Hawks turned the ball over on a fumble at the 6-yard line.
Madison Academy’s final touchdown came after Danville was stopped on downs deep in its own territory late in the game.
Danville opened the season with five straight wins, but struggled in losses to Hamilton, Winfield and Vinemont. But the Hawks came up with a hard-fought 10-7 victory over J.B. Pennington on the road to earn a spot in the playoffs - the team’s first in five years.