At the end of every great story there is a defining moment that springs the protangest into victorious glory. This Saturday in Rome, GA that story didn't come to forwishen for the Shorter Hawks, but what did occur was the Valdosta State Blazers as well as everyone else in the Gulf South Conference taking notice of what almost occurred. The final offensive drive down the field for the Hawks ended on the 12 yard line with one play to win the game. It was a failed conversion, but the story isn't over for the Shorter Hawks as they have 7 more weeks to regain their foothold in the GSC. "Upsetting Valdosta State in front of our home crowd would have been one of the biggest wins in Shorter football history. They are a storied program that just played in the National Championship last season. I am proud of the effort and never give up attitude that we showed," stated Coach Morrison.
The Shorter Hawks came out on fire, executing and driving the ball down Valdosta's throat. 90-yards were gained in just ten plays and at the middle of the first quarter, Jaiden Dollard, used his quick feet to make his way into the end zone for a 26-yard running touchdown. "Offensive Coordinator Coach Robles continued to put together a great offensive game plan and we were able to execute, and put a lot of points on the board today," said Morrison. Brett Bardenwerper knocked down the extra point kick. Early in the second Bardenwerper booted a 41-yard field goal to bring the score 10-0. With one minute left in the second quarter Jaiden Dollard ran six yards to find himself in the end zone for the second time. Dollard had 14 carries for 71-yards with an average of 5.1 yards per carry. In the first half the Shorter defense was solid and denied Valdosta's offense of every attack. "We allowed a cheap FG before the half, but only allowing 3 points that the Blazers was a victory for the defense," stated Morrison. Trey Thomas and Deandre Moss were everywhere today and each had a pass breakup. Thomas had six solo tackles and one assist and Moss had five solo tackles and one assist. Bruce Guyton made his presence felt and had three solo tackles, two assist, a tackle for loss, and a sack. Cedric Lynch had five solo tackles and Devonn Lane had five assist tackles and controlled a wabbly ball for an interception. Before the very end of the half, Estin Thiele made a 26 yard field goal for the Valdosta Blazers which brought the score to 17-3.
"Going into halftime was a great feeling, but I knew we had a frustrated VSU team who was going to throw everything they had left at us," said Morrison. In the third quarter, the Blazers went 75-yards in eight plays and Jamar Thompkins gave Valdosta hope and momentum with a one yard touchdown run. Estin Thiele was good for the extra point kick. With 5 minutes left in the quarter the Blazer's Ivory Durham scored on a 12-yard run to tie the game at 17-17. "The 3rd quarter was frustrating because we were not playing gap sound football and had guys not focusing on the details of each play," stated Morrison.
The Hawks were able to respond to each VSU score. They drove the ball down into the red zone, and then Aeneas Dennis scored at the goal line by leaping high and reaching over the end zone. Bardenwerper's kick attempt was blocked, leaving the score 23-17. With just seconds left in the 3rd quarter, Ivory Durham scored again by running in a six-yard touchdown. Thiele's kick connected again. Blazers take the lead for the first time at 24-23. From many spectators' perspective this game was like a heavyweight boxing match with one team landing a blow and then the other responding with another.
Down 1 point going into the 4th quarter, the Hawks knew they needed to rally. Early in the fourth quarter, Estin Thiele nailed a 26-yard field goal. Next, Shorter's Devin Brown made received a short pass from Aeneas Dennis, patiently made a move, broke a tackle, and scooted into the end zone for 58-yards. This now made the score 30-27. Devin Brown averaged five yards per carry with 9 attempts and 45 yards gained on the ground. In the air he had 2 receptions for 69 yards. Seth McGill scored on a 13-yard run and Thiele made another PAT to make the score 34-30. Shorter had one more chance to score late in the fourth, but the attempt fell through.
Kyle Morlock, the All-American, also had 70 receiving yards on just two catches. John Dietl III played a big part in the offense's success with 4 receptions and 46 yards. Aeneas Dennis played well and had 41 yards rushing with 231 passing yards. Dennis had 15 completions out of 27 attempts and 1 pass intercepted. Justus Durrant ran the ball like it was his last time every time and he ended the game with 10 carries, 59 yards, and an average of 5.9 yards per carry. "I can't say enough about the starting offensive line, Jagger Jones, Price Campbell, Ty Vanhassel, Mason O'Neal and Alan Herring; these guys fought and showed great grit as we were able to run for over 250 yards for the 3rd time in the last 4 weeks," said Coach Morrison.
As stated the story isn't over for the Shorter Hawks, it has only just begun as they prepare for conference play over the next 7 weeks with a chance for redemption week 11 as they travel to Valdosta State.
The Hawks will continue to improve and will play away at the University of West Alabama @ 3:00pm (ET).
