ROME, Ga.— Down double-digits at halftime the Shorter Hawks kept playing and got the win at home against the Clark Atlanta Panthers 19-13. This was the first time in Coach Morrison's tenure; 6 years that the Hawks have been down double-digits at halftime and won. This was also the first time in school history that Shorter played and won an overtime game. A lot of firsts from this past Saturday, but at the end of the day the Hawks found a way. Coach Morrison said, "This team has handled so much adversity this season with 11 players having season ending injuries with many of them being starters and guys have stepped up and found a way to get it done today. We had a great week of practice, so we were prepared and knew Clark Atlanta was going to throw everything they had at us. I am just proud of the fight the team; they never gave up. God has blessed this team and the leadership was evident throughout the game. There was a lot of grit and fight throughout the game, but because of the way the 1st half shaped out we ended up giving Clark Atlanta the lead throughout two and a half quarters."
The crowd was in the game the entire time, cheering on the Hawks! Coach Blake Robles commented, "It was amazing to see the large crowd pumping up the team. It was so great to have so much support from the community show up this weekend." The game started off with a back-and-forth defensive battle between the Panthers and Shorter University. The Panthers then took the lead and found a way to go into the half up 10-0. There were so many amazing defensive plays by both teams that would lead to the low scoring first half.
The Shorter offense took control in the 2nd half behind the offensive line, consisting of ZyMarrion Starling, Price Campbell, Clay Baker, Demetri Singleton, and Alan Herron. The Shorter offense ended the day over 250 yards rushing with freshmen Lanear McCrary leading the backs with 16 carries for 168 yards and an overtime touchdown. Jaiden Dollard also made some strides in the backfield for the Hawks finishing with 63 rushing yards on the afternoon.
Shorter knew they needed to respond in the 2nd half and in the 3rd quarter, quarterback Joshua Brown lead the Hawks down the field to tie up the game. Offensive Coordinator Blake Robles said of Brown, " I am really proud of Josh stepping up today!" Red-Shirt Freshman Joshua Brown was able to find targets all over the field with big receptions by Bo Mosteller, Brandon McGill and finally finished up with Jaiden Dollard. Quarterback Josh Brown finished the day 9-19 in pass attempts for 89 passing yards, and ten rushing attempts for 20 yards and a rushing touchdown.
The Hawks finished the day with over 350 yards offensively with most of the yardage coming in the 2nd half. The Hawks were called on 14 penalties for 137 yards throughout the game, which was the most penalties the Hawks have had in Coach Morrison's time as head coach. When ask about the officials Coach Morrison stated, "I have no comment."
After the Hawks settled down on defense, they were able to make stop after stop. In the second half, the defense was playing fast and physical football and was able to get hinder Clark Atlantafrom getting in the redzone. The Shorter Hawks defense finished with a total of 11 tackles for a loss and 5 sacks throughout the game. "The defensive line really stepped up today! I am proud of how they pursued the football and the plays they made in the backfield," said defensive coordinator Harlen Jacobs. Tony Bethea, Ryan Richardson, Jahseim Henry, and Super Senior DE Bruce Guyton all made contributions all over the field.
The Hawks Defense also had an interception by Marc Harris and two forced fumbles, one of which was recovered. A highlight in the 2nd half was when Bruce Guyton blocked the go aheadfield goal.
The Hawks were able to get multiple stops of the Panther offense giving the Hawks great field position. Marc Harris and Milton Adams both made plays all over the field. Coach Jacobs said of these two, "Milton had a strong day and ended the game as our leading tackler, he stepped up in a big way for us today. Marc also had a strong day coming down and making some tough tackles on the big backs of Clark Atlanta." Marc finished the day as the leading tackler for the Hawks with 9 tackles which has propelled him to the leading tackler in the Gulf South Conference this season with 51 total tackles.
Special Teams Coordinator Ryne Strickland was proud of the units for growing throughout the season and being consistent throughout the day. "Our two freshmen specialists, punter Wyatt Walters and placekicker Tyler Simpson really had great days. I am excited to see them progress throughout the season," said Coach Strickland. Tyler Simpson finished the day 2/2 on Field Goals from distance and 3-4 on touchbacks on the kickoff team. Wyatt Walters was placing the ball so well on his punts averaging 45 yards per punt.
Other Standouts: Sophomore Captain, Artellious Edmond finished with five tackles and two tackles for a loss, while Noah Warren made some great plays and finished with 2 tackles.
The Shorter Hawks are at away next weekend as they play the Valdosta State Blazers at 3:00 PM at Bazmore-Hyder Stadium. Lastly, Coach Morrison stated, "We are excited about heading down to Valdosta next week and being their homecoming, our guys remember the 2 point loss we had to end the season last year and are ready to make some plays and compete."
