ROME, Ga. – On Saturday afternoon, the Shorter Hawks (0-5, 0-3 Gulf South) went to war and battled with the West Georgia Wolves, coming up just short in a thrilling contest. Shorter's offense showed the depth and explosiveness that Coach Zach Morrison has been expecting all season.
 
The key verse that Coach Morrison spoke about after the game is Isaiah 40:31 "But they who trust in the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.."  The Lord has unlimited strength, energy, knowledge, and love. A.W. Tozar said it this way: "The faith of Christ offers no buttons to push for quick service. [The believer] must wait for the Lord's own time, and that is too much for the man in a hurry."  Coach Morrison reiterated, "You can't see or touch faith you just have to believe and that is what our players are doing. Faith requires patience. There are rarely instant solutions to the things we face. But in this verse God does promise that if we will slow down and wait for Him, in quiet confidence, then He will strengthen us. 

Tyler Pullum put on one of the best performances by a quarterback in Shorter history. Through the afternoon, Pullum completed 27 passes, which broke the previous school record of 26. In addition, Pullum threw for 331 yards – the third highest single-game total in school history. Kameron King was Pullum's favorite target on Saturday, hauling in eight passes for 123 yards. King's 123 receiving yards led all players in the Gulf South Conference on Saturday and finished as the fourth-best single-game in Shorter history.

As a whole, the offensive line maintained blocks and managed to get to the second level, which opened the running game up for Tupac Lanier, Trevor Smith, and Gregory Fields Jr.. Coach Morrison was extremely impressed with the play of the offensive line, "Their desire and determination helped us really open up some holes," stated Morrison.  The Offensive line anchored by Nehemiah Bing, Dalton Hamm, Jake Nitowski, Zyaire Horey and Isaiah Novasel fought hard throughout the game.  Lanier finished with 122 yards on eight carries, highlighted by a 75-yard run late in the game.  Morrison added, "Tupac was explosive throughout the game, he made some great runs as well as caught the ball out of the backfield." Andrew Warren battled through a nagging injury and it was uncertain if he would return, but he fought through the pain and checked himself back into the game and made a huge 24-yard catch on a third and long. Warren also caught a five-yard touchdown pass from Pullum in the fourth quarter.

Xavier Robinson led the defense, bringing down 13 Wolves – including a sack and 3 tackles for a loss. The defensive line brought down the quarterback twice for a sack and forced hurried throws several other times.

The defensive line played their most complete game of the season, highlighted by the performances of Le'Chauz Langford, Bruce Guyton Jr., and Terrance Snellings. TyShawn Jackson also made several huge, timely plays in the secondary to help get the defense off the field. 
 
Next weekend, the Hawks head to Livingston, Alabama to take on the University of West Alabama (3-2, 0-2 Gulf South). On Saturday, No. 25 West Alabama was upset at home by North Greenville by a score of 29-28.
 
Scout Team Players of the Week
Offense: John Solomon – Solomon consistently made big plays in live action throughout the week. Solomon made several highlight-reel catches and timely first down grabs to spark the scout team offense in practice.

Defense: Demarkus White – The freshman defensive back had an outstanding week of practice in pass coverage. With the difficult looks and consistent pressure on receivers, White made the quarterbacks go through all of their looks and find a secondary receiver. This week is White's first Player of the Week honor. 

Special Teams: Tristan Carlton – Throughout the week of practice, Carlton managed to evade the defense, shake blockers, and consistently get downfield to several plays. Carlton defends his Player of the Week honor, which he earned on the defensive side of the ball throughout the Valdosta State week.
 
Players of the Week
Offense: Kameron King – On Saturday, King led the Gulf South Conference with 123 receiving yards on eight receptions. The freshman from Lawrenceville, GA managed to put together one of the best receiving games in school on the way to his first Player of the Week honor.

Defense: Xavier Robinson – Robinson earned his second Player of the Week honor with an outstanding performance against West Georgia. Robinson had an outstanding chance to be named Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Week with his 13 tackle game that featured a sack and 3 tackles for a loss.

Special Teams: Trey Bridges – On special teams, Bridges executed Shorter's game plan to perfection. The team looked to shed blockers and get downfield to make plays. After shaking blockers, Bridges brought down 2 players on kick returns and added an additional tackle on a punt return.