ROME, Ga. – For the first time in nearly 1,500 days, Shorter football walked away victorious on Saturday afternoon. The Hawks defeated Allen University 37-7 on Senior Day in front of the Barron Stadium faithful. Brick by brick, the program has built the foundation for success in the coming years.
 
Galatians 6:9 has been a verse that Shorter football has focused on throughout the season. Following the game, Coach Zach Morrison looked to junior Nehemiah Reddish and asked him to recite the verse before giving his postgame speech to the team. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." In his message to the team, Morrison reminded the team of the love and pride he has for each and every one of the members of the football program and how essential they are to the Shorter football program - From the coaches to the starters to the managers to the scout team to the filmers. 
 
There were several notable takeaways from the game this weekend, but the coaching staff is not satisfied with the success in the game on Saturday.
 
Defensively, the Hawks shined for sixty minutes. The team tallied seven sacks, nine tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Continuous pressure helped force mistakes which taps into Defensive Coordinator Chad Creamer's philosophy of "Get The Ball".
 
On offense, there were plenty of highlights as well. Running back Tupac Lanier scampered into the end zone three times in the first half to bolster the scoring. Aeneas Dennis did a good job of leaving the pocket when needed and showed great awareness to find the first down marker. Dennis also tossed a pair of touchdown passes to Devin Price and Elijah Gilbert in the win.
 
As the final contact practice hits this afternoon, the Hawks remain focused on the task at hand. It's almost time to go 1-0 again this weekend.
 
Players of the Week
 
Offense: Tupac Lanier - #3 found the end zone three times in the first half to launch the scoring efforts for Shorter.
 
Defense: Dejon Walden – In the victory over Allen, Walden tallied a pair of tackles, with one being a timely sack for a loss of nine yards. Coach Morrison said that the performance of the defense was so strong that it was tough to pick just one person on the defense to take home Player of the Week honors.
 
Special Teams: Gregory Fields Jr. – Fields Jr. solidified his case for Special Teams Player of the Week with a highlight reel 84 yard kickoff return to open the second half.
 
Scout Team Players of the Week
 
Offense: Brayden Butler – Butler showed out well in the week of practice and provided great looks for the defense. The freshman wide receiver from Rome continues to impress the coaching staff and has shown strong potential all season.
 
Defense: Ryan Richardson – The freshman defensive lineman takes home his first Player of the Week honors after a strong week in the trenches. The Birmingham, Alabama native helped the offensive line get better each day and it showed on Saturday.
 
Special Teams: Timothy Walker – Every day this season, Walker has brought an outstanding attitude and mindset to the field, as well as bringing his all in practice every single day. The Acworth, Georgia product continues to impress and excite the coaching staff with his coverage on special teams and what he brings to the table every single day in practice.