ROME, Ga.-- Leading up to the game Coach Morrison spoke to the team about playing together for each other and the effect of supporting each side of the ball.  He focused on Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  The Shorter Football team was able to reap the harvest this afternoon by defeating the Catawba Indians.

Shorter University and Catawba College battled hard and played with high energy and intensity, but the Hawks pulled away from what seemed to be a nail biter early on. 

Noah Holland put the offense on his back for the first drive and drove them into the red zone. With 7:35 left in the quarter, Aeneas Dennis then ran in a 4-yard touchdown. 20 seconds later, K. Pryor, from Catawba returned an 88-yard kickoff to the house to bring the score 7-7.  Coach Morrison said of his special teams, "The KOR from Catawba early in the game showed the ability and speed of their returner, which caused us to position kick the ball the rest of the game."

Shortly in to the second quarter, John Dietl III caught a 34-yard pass from Dennis and fought his way past a defender for a touchdown. Dietl finished the game with two receptions for 43 yards and two touchdowns.  "Johnny had a great day and was able to high point a few tough footballs over the secondary of the Catawba College Indians.  Aeneas Dennis was showing his versatile abilities on the field by running in and throwing touchdowns.  Offensive Coordinator, Blake Robles spoke of the offensive performance as a solid overall day, but we know as an offensive unit that we left points on the field.

Dennis went 13-27 in pass attempts for 196 passing yards, and ten rushing attempts for 93 yards. Later on in the second, Noah Holland ran in a 1-yard touchdown, and had 21 rushing attempts for 85-yards. The Shorter University Hawks have a stable of running backs who were able to run for over 260 yards on the ground for the second straight week.  Freshmen Justus Durrant and Sophomore, Devin Brown were also able to contribute to the rushing attack. 

Catawba fumbled a snap, and the Hawks defense forced a safety. Shorter's defense showed up strong and made the score 22-7. True Freshman, Artellious Edmonds ended the game with five solo tackles and one assist.  Coach Morrison on Edmonds, "Telly was pushed into the starting role this week and took advantage of the opportunity and finished as the team leader in tackles." Cedric Lynch also had five solo tackles, and Marc Harris had four solo tackle and one assist. During the post-game interview, Defensive Coordinator Harlen Jacobs said, "I am proud of the defensive for forcing multiple turnovers and forcing the safety, we have a great group that work to better each other daily.  I am looking forward to seeing the team compete and prepare for our next opponent, Albany State."

Another standout for Shorter was 2021 All-American Kyle Morlock, who jumped and grabbed a high ball from a 31-yard pass from Dennis for a touchdown. Morlock finished with three receptions and 49 total yards. Morrison said of Morlock, "He comes to work every day and works to encourage those around him in the weight room, practice and on the field of play."

K. Pryor scored on a 19-yard pass from K.Hill with 55 seconds left in the second. The third quarter was scoreless, but straight out the gate in the fourth quarter John Dietl III and Aeneas Dennis connected on a 19-yard touchdown. K. Pryor did it all for Catawba today, and scored on a 4-yard run with two minutes to go. 

Other Standouts: Devon Lane and Bryan Rice both had four tackles and Trey Thomas and DeAndre Moss had three tackles. "Trey Thomas and Reece Poe both had interceptions on the day and were major momentum shifts during the game," said Coach Morrison.

The Shorter Hawks are at home again next weekend as they play the Albany State Rams at 12:00 PM at Barron Stadium.