WEST FORK — WEST FORK - Fifthgrade Blackhawks traveled to West Fork, Saturday, Oct.
10. In a very hard hitting game the ’Hawks managed to win 24-0 and though that sounds like an easy game, it was not. The first half of play was dominated by defense as the ’Hawks stopped the Tigers on the opening series, taking over on downs. The opening drive for the ’Hawks was effective with Cole Wright hitting Chandler Tidwell for a 22-yard gain that set up a 3-yard burst from Tidwell for the TD. The two-point conversion was good as Wright went to the air again to find the big fullback Britton Caudill wide open in the end zone.
The rest of the first half saw the teams exchangepunts. Nearing the end of the half, the Tigers tried to mount a drive only to find ’Hawks’ safety Bryce Prince, who intercepted the ball and put an end to their hopes.
The young ’Hawks started the second half with a sense of urgency as they went 70 yards on nine plays, with Jacob Torres going from 14 yards out.
The ’Hawks connected the two-point conversion again on a sweep play to the right side with Michael Schleisman going in for the score. After another great defensive outing, the ’Hawks sealed the deal, marching 51 yards as Torres went in from 26 yards, the PAT was good with Wright finding Tidwell on a quick pass behind the Tigers line. The next series for the Tigers proved to bemore of the same - Duncan Truesdell, with three consecutive tackles. The Tigers, as many good football teams would do, decided to adjust a go away from Truesdell to the air, but outside backer Westin Church picked off the Tigers and took all the wind from their sails.
Defensive leaders this week are, Truesdell, with seven tackles, Wright, Tidwell and Prince with four each, Zaine Holley, Wyatt Weber, Torres and Brandon Johnson all had three apiece, and Seth Trammell, Schleisman and Britton Caudill came in with two each. Jaylee Kelley, Jonathan Pinto and Logan Johnson each had one tackle in the game.
Others playing well in a very physical game, were Hunter Shackelford, Austin Anderson, Miranda Morgan, Clayton Brown, Joseph Beard, Manny Wishon, Jason Frater, Joseph Ortiz, Spencer Marler, Hunter Gaston and Dalton Harwell.
Leading the way offensively was the 0-line anchored by Kamden Boyd, Aron Tuszynski, Tanner Flippo, Beau German, Brandon Johnson, Church, Tidwell, Truesdell and Jason Frater. Rushing was led by Torres, gaining 105 yardson eight carries and two TDs, most of Torres’ yards came in the second half after the big backs Caudill and Tidwell wore down the Tigers defense.
Tidwell had four totes for 12 yards and a TD and Caudill carried three times for 30. Others playing well were George Tyree, Hunter Thomas, Tyler Wallace, Shane Tedford and Brett Scott.
These young ’Hawksresponded well when faced with a physical Tigers team.
As a coach, I’d like to say it was good coaching, but if you know these guys, it’s just heart, desire and teamwork, they never quit, have great attitudes and always give 100 percent (even when coach calls the wrong pass route!).
The ’Hawks play Elkins, Saturday, Oct. 17, in Pea Ridge at noon.
School, Pages 10 on 10/14/2009