Hawks struggle at Sheffield

Paul Wilson
Special to the Enquirer

Danville and Sheffield entered last Friday night’s region opener with at least a couple of things in common.

Each team had an 0-1 record with Danville having lost to Colbert Heights while Sheffield had lost to Red Bay. Each team also had a head coach in search of his first victory at his respective school.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, it was Sheffield and coach David Hufstedler who would get the win as the Bulldogs defeated Danville 40-0 in the region opener at Sheffield. The combination of Charles Jackson and Hunter Danley proved too much for the Hawks.

Jackson did his damage on the ground, scoring three touchdowns. His first touchdown came on a 70 yard punt return late in the opening period. He later added two more touchdowns on runs of 45 and 48 yards respectively. Jackson had missed the 2nd half of last week’s 27-12 loss to Red Bay after colliding with the goal post in the 2nd quarter.

While Jackson was doing his damage on the ground, Danley, a transfer from Muscle Shoals, hurt the Danville defense through the air. Despite throwing only 6 times, Danley completed 4 for 114 yards and a touchdown. Danley also ran 15 yards for another Bulldog touchdown. Sheffield would finish the night with 314 yards rushing and 428 yards of total offense.

Danville really struggled on offense. The Hawks would finish with five first downs and 65 total yards.

With the loss, Danville falls to 0-2 on the year and 0-1 in region play. Tomorrow night the Hawks will host Clements High School at Smith-Owens Stadium.

Danville defeated the Colts last year by a score of 21-7. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.