ROME, Ga. –  Coming into the game against the top-ranked Blazers, the Hawks knew that they'd have to pull off an upset of that out of a sports movie. Everyone involved with the Shorter football program knew that they needed to execute the game plan perfectly to knock off Valdosta and unfortunately, some mistakes were made throughout the evening.
With Valdosta State throwing six men in the box consistently, it was tough for Shorter to get any sort of running game going. Inside the five yard line, Offensive Coordinator Blaise Holzer the Hawks pulled off a trick play which saw wide receiver Andrew Warren throwing a touchdown pass to tight end John Dietl III.
Valdosta State's offense is consistently ranked near the top of the country and is near impossible to stop. Xavier Robinson did an excellent job of forcing a fumble, picking it up, and returning it 34 yards. Another focus going forward is Defensive Coordinator Chad Creamer's "Get The Ball" mentality and forcing more turnovers.
When the Hawks head to Carrollton, GA to take on the University of West Georgia, they'll need to continue to pursue excellence. On the board in his office this week, Coach Zach Morrison has the following quote written: "Success isn't always about greatness. It's about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come."
This season, Shorter has consistently shown signs of growth and improvement. Greatness is coming to The Hill in the near future.
 
Scout Team Players of the Week
Offense: Nathan Williams – Williams continues to play somewhat of a combo back for the Shorter scout team, splitting time between running back and fullback. Williams picked up several extra yards and continued to keep his legs moving for hard fought games. The freshman from Fort Oglethorpe, GA picked up his first Player of the Week honor.
Defense: Tristan Carlton – The freshman from Cartersville, GA continued to impress the Hawks coaching staff with his play in practices. Carlton did a phenomenal job throughout the week of filling gaps and stopping the run in Valdosta State's system.
Special Teams: Stone Dorough – Dorough earned his second Scout Team Player of the Week honor of the season leading up to the Valdosta State game. After another week of flying around the field and creating havoc, Dorough impressed Special Team Coordinator Wil Robinson enough to earn a spot on the dress list and travel roster when Shorter heads to West Georgia this Saturday.  
 
Players of the Week
Offense – Isaiah Novosel – In his first career start, Novosel passed the eye test for the coaching staff and helped pave the way for Tupac Lanier, Gregory Fields Jr., and Trevor Smith while providing great pass blocking for Tyler Pullum.
Defense: Le'Chauz Langford – While Langford only tallied three tackles throughout the game, the staff was impressed with his fundamentals and technique. Each week, Langford has continued to play an extremely fast game on the defensive side of the ball, even when the stat sheet does not necessarily reflect that.
Special Teams – Brett Bardenwerper – After another great week of punting the ball, Bardenwerper earned himself another Player of the Week honor. Bardenwerper had a long punt of 63 yards against Valdosta State, while also pinning the Blazers inside the 20 yard line twice.