Young 'Hawks batter Wolves

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

— There are no offensive linemen in fantasy football, but the Pea Ridge fifth grade 'Hawks have plenty of stars on their offensive line. On Saturday, Sept. 19, the young 'Hawks traveled to Lincoln for their second contest of the season with a dominating performance up front. After only nine plays, the score was 24-0 in the 'Hawks' favor. Michael Schleisman rushed two times for 110 yards and two touchdowns behind great blocking from Tanner Flippo, Beau German, Brandon Johnson, Kamden Boyd and Aron Tuszynski.

Also leading the way with crushing blocks were tight-end Chandler Tidwell and bruising fullback Britton Caudill. After the first group had done their job, the 'Hawks continued to enjoy good blocking from Hunter Shackelford, Jason Frater, Westin Church, Jonathan Pinto and Wyatt Weber. The young 'Hawks struck quickly with Schleisman going 62 yards on the first play from scrimmage.

Dalton Harwell ran hard around the left end for the two-point conversion. The next series for the 'Hawks took only two plays with Schleisman going 48 yards for the touchdown. The two-point conversion again was good with Cole Wright going around the right end and stretching for the goal line.

On the third series for the 'Hawks, Wright hit Brice Prince for a six-yard gain that set up Clayton Brown's 10-yard jaunt to the endzone. The two-point conversion was successful as Logan Johnson hit Wright on a short pass to the right side with Wright out running the defense to the corner.

In the second half, workhorse Brandon Johnson carried the load with six carries for 34 yards and a two-point conversion which followed a great pass from Prince to Logan Johnson who went 45 yards for the score. In all, the offensive 'Hawks gained 241 yards on 21 plays.

Defensively the 'Hawks were tough again, allowing only 20 yards total offense to the Wolves in the first half and an interception by Prince, who returned the ball 22 yards. Zaine Holley also picked off the Wolves to stop a drive and Pinto had a fumble recovery.

The defense was led again by Duncan Truesdell with four smashing tackles.

With three tackles each were Holley, Weber, Brown, Church, Prince and Wright.

Caudill and Tidwell had two tackles each from the end spots. Other 'Hawks playing tough defense were Austin Anderson, Seth Trammell, Jaylee Kelley, Manny Wishon, Shane Tedford, Joseph Ortiz, Hunter Thomas, George Tyree, Tyler Wallace and Hunter Gaston.

Each and every player saw lots of action this week.

The players realize this will be a long, tough season andexperience and depth will be key for victories. Last Saturday in Lincoln was a huge step in getting where the team need to be. On Saturday, Sept. 26, the 'Hawks travel to Shiloh for a tough contest with the Saints.

Sports, Pages 7 on 09/23/2009