PENSACOLA, Fla. – The 7th-ranked West Florida Argonauts showed why they were the Co-defending Gulf South Conference Champions last season. The reigning GSC Champions played a fast and physical game, and the Shorter Hawks were unable to keep up with the attack. Shorter Head Football Coach, Zach Morrison stated, "We played a fast early on, but it came down to execution. We had so many opportunities on both sides of the ball but could not capitalize on those moments; from a missed pick 6, to multiple missed sacks on defense and offensively a few dropped balls that could have gone the distance. I was still proud of team as they fought to the last second of the game. At the end of the day, we gave God all the glory and we will prepare for the next week." The Hawks finished the day with 255 yards of total offense with 195 of those being through the air. The Hawks offense wasn't able to find the endzone but did connect on a long 45-yard field goal by freshman kicker, Tyler Simpson. Coach Morrison stated, "we left points on the field with a couple of missed assignments and dropped balls." Defensively the Hawks knew they would be up to a challenge with the experienced QB Peewee Jarrett who returned to West Florida for his senior season and leading the high-powered offense.
Quarterback Josh Brown was able to spark the offense leading the Hawks down the field on the opening drive that ended with a field goal. The red shirt freshman quarterback finished the night with 8 carries for 16 yards and 195 yards passing.
Leading the receiving group was Trevon Dirden with 4 receptions for 46 yards and Brandon McGill with 7 catches for 43 yards. Running back Jaiden Dollard was also able to play some plays catching 6 passes for 38 yards. Offensively two new faces to the Hawks made solid debuts in running back Lanier McCrary Jr. who led the Hawks in rushing on the evening and red-shirt freshman tight end Caden Dodson who filled in for injured John Dietl. Dodson finished the day with a big 28-yard reception. Offensive Coordinator Blake Robles said of the Shorter Hawks offense, "We have a lot of work to do, West Florida presented a challenge for the offense, and we need to respond this coming week." Offensively the Hawks only rushed for 55 yards on the night which was over 100 less than the season average.
Defensively there were a few standouts in the game with Trey Thomas shutting down the reigning National Offensive Player of the week to his lowest receiving total of the season. Defensive Coordinator, Harlen Jacobs said of the game, "We didn't give offense a chance, I am going to need the guys on defense to step up this week. We were able to play fast early in the game, but as Coach Morrison has stated we missed to many opportunities throughout the game. I am interested to see how we will respond and prepare for Clark Atlanta."
Another bright spot for the Shorter Hawks was redshirt freshman Hugh Barbee III who finished the day with 10 tackles and 1 TFL. "Hugh played his best game of the season, and I am excited to see him continue to grow in the defense and lead by example," said Morrison. Devonn Lane and Artellious Edmond both finished the evening with 5 tackles.
The Hawks will look to regroup playing a non-conference opponent Clark Atlanta University next weekend. The Hawks play in Rome, GA at Historic Barron Stadium on Oct. 14th at 12 p.m.
