Young ’Hawks unbeaten

— The Pea Ridge fourth-grade ’Hawks kept rolling in Gentry last week with a 30-6 victory. The game started with Gentry winning the toss, and deferring to the second half. The ’Hawks accepted the invitation to go on the offensive first, and marched 70 yards with Tate Busey finding the end zone around the left end. The 2-point conversion was good when Mazon Harris bulled his way in from 3 yards out. Leading the way up front was Jackson Merritt, Blake Garrard, Quentin Miller, Aron Ricketts, Matthew Davila, Todd Johnson and Mazon Harris.

The Pioneers’ offense was unable to convert on third and down and chose to punt. The ’Hawks defense was led this week by Adam Trammell, David Snarr, Jake Adams, Samuel Beard, David Wood, Colton Secrist, Eric Snarr and Gavin Warden. On the ’Hawks’ second possession, Mazon Harris would not be denied as he powered his way to pay dirt around the right side. The 2-point conversion was good when Reece Crowder slipped in from 3 yards out.

The ’Hawk defense held the Pioneers to another third and out,after a Gentry punt, the ’Hawks took over with only minutes left until half-time. The ’Hawks took advantage of the speed of Eric Galacia as he took the direct snap from center and raced 60 yards for the score, the 2-point conversion failed, taking the ’Hawks to half with a comfortable 22-0 lead. The ’Hawks started the second half with a nice drive capped off when Kade Prince scored off the right side. This drive was highlighted by runs from David Snarr, Eric Snarr, Jake Adams and Tristan Hall. The 2-point conversion was good with a Peyton Losey plunge up the middle.

Opening the holes up in front were Shay Grantham, DanielWood and Colton Secrist.

The ’Hawks “D,” however, allowed a score when the Pioneers broke loose for a late TD. The ’Hawks’ defense stopped Gentry on the 2-point try with great efforts from Trent Tolliver, Landon Lacy Zac Woods, Matthew Manues, Justin Pedersen, Garrison Artman and Riley Jones.

The ’Hawks improved to 7-0 on the season with a tough test coming up Saturday in Greenland.

◊◊◊

Editor’s note: John Johnson coaches youth football. The Times welcomes reports and photographs of sporting events from coaches. E-mail to [email protected].

Sports, Pages 7 on 10/26/2011