"Commitment" is a big buzzword in sports today. The definition of "Commitment," is an agreement or pledge to do something in the future.  In the case for the Hawks every coach and player is pledging and agreeing to do something for this team and university.  Coach Morrison challenged the Hawks to be more committed over the weekend.  "We continue to improve day by day and week by week," said Morrison.  The Shorter Hawks hosted the University of West Alabama for their sixth game of the season Saturday, October 6, 2018 and showed heart and true commitment.  "We are finding wins on every play promoting the good plays and correcting the missed assignments, but the players, coaches and fans see and feel the improvement." The one thing that we talked about as a team was the biblical term commitment, Jesus Christ wants us to be committed as well.  He desires our commitment to Him each day.  Unfortunately, many of us can't even remember the last time we said, "Lord, I am committing this to You." Yet, Proverbs reminds us that when we do commit our work to the Lord, our plans will be fulfilled.  It does not guarantee we will win but that what we commit to God will be achieved.  We know that if we are more consistent, give the effort and attitude we strive for and show more commitment to the program that we will reap the harvest.
 
The Hawks came out early in the game with an opening drive for the books, the twelve play 75 yard drive was one of the longest all season.  The two quarterback system looked to be in full swing with Tyler Pullum and Coey Watson leading the Hawks down the field.  Freshman quarterback Coey Watson delivered the strike to Freshman Tanner Floyd scoring the first touchdown of the game.  "We preach effort and attitude and the offense was bringing it throughout the game.  We have to stay consistent and finish more drives." Morrison continued, "We left points on the field and the team knows that." The coaching staff is asking for players to continue to come to work every day and improve and that's exactly what they have been doing.  "The player that stood out for us in all phases was Mo Sutton, he played his heart out and left everything on the field.  When we talk about commitment as a team we look at players who are more about "TEAM than ME" and Sutton is exactly that."  Sutton caught 6 passes for 84 yards and made plays all over the field on special teams.  A highlight for the day was freshman kicker Brett Bardenwerper when he hit a 31 yard field goal in the third quarter to add three more points to the board for the Hawks.  Lewis Hayes also added to his stellar career as a Hawk by adding a 17 yard touchdown reception. Offensively the Hawks rushed for 49 yards and had 268 passing yards. The quarterbacks went 26-43 with zero interceptions and two touchdowns. Shorter went 3-4 on Red Zone chances.      
 
The Hawks defense made some major strides as well. Coach Creamer said, "the players are playing tough and with effort, but they have to push past their comfort level.  We have to be uncomfortable with our effort."  He added, "becoming more consistent is important for our defense."  The Hawks had some players step up for us today such as Randall Blash Jr. and Nehemiah Reddish.  "Randall was making plays all over the field, he continued to blow the center off the ball and wreak havoc in the backfield and Reddish lead the team in tackles yet again, showing why he is one of the best safeties in the GSC.  There were also some freshman making some plays such as Joe Hagin, Bradley Kirk, Brent Silvar and Terrence Kent all making an impact for the Hawks defense.  "We are going to challenge the secondary this week to see who will step up and make a play, if the ball is in the air we have to attack it," said Morrison.  One major improvement was the Hawks stopping West Alabama twice in the red-zone, holding them to a field goal.
 
The Hawks will travel to Tigersville, SC to take on North Greenville University this Saturday at 2:30 PM.