ROME, Ga. — "Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character." — John Wooden
The Shorter University Hawks soar into Lake Wales this Saturday, ready to clash with the Warner University Royals. After a resolute 29-5 victory against Mississippi College, the Hawks are brimming with confidence, but also a steadfast resolve to push further, brick by brick. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m., where Shorter's captains will lead them into a new test, a fresh battle, where character and will are the key ingredients.
Leadership at the Helm
At the heart of the Hawks' ambition are its captains, the pillars of this rising squad. Quarterback Harold Cook, fresh off a composed performance in Week 1, once again stands tall as the field general, his decision-making and poise under pressure paramount to the team's success. Flanked by a guardian of the trenches, Price Campbell, a 35-game starter at left guard, Cook will look to lead the offense to greater heights. Campbell's experience is the foundation upon which the offensive line will stand, a force of protection and power.
On the defensive side, Tony Bethea and Jahseim Henry form a formidable duo on the front line. Bethea, an unyielding defensive lineman, and Henry, a relentless force off the edge, will look to disrupt Warner's offense at every turn. And in the middle of it all is Devonn Lane, the All-Conference linebacker who commands the field like a maestro, his leadership in the huddle and his tackling ability in the open field making him the heart and soul of the Hawks' defense.
Key Players Poised for Breakout
This weekend, all eyes will be on Hugh Barbee III and Nakobi Spurrier, two rising stars on the Hawks' defense. Barbee III, with his ball-hawking instincts, and Spurrier, an emerging force in the trenches, are primed for a standout performance against Warner's offense. Expect these two to be disruptive presences, making plays that swing momentum in Shorter's favor. On offense, the dynamic play of wide receiver Trevon Dirden will once again be a focal point. Dirden, who torched Mississippi College for over 100 receiving yards last week, has proven to be a reliable target for senior Quarterback, Harold Cook. His ability to find space and make athletic catches is the engine of Shorter's passing game, and the Hawks will look to him early and often to exploit Warner's secondary.
The Battle Ahead
Warner University presents a unique challenge, a team hungry to defend their home turf. But this Saturday, it will be Shorter's resilience, sharpened by both talent and preparation, that sets the tone. The Hawks know that every game is an opportunity—not just to win, but to evolve, to become stronger, and to lay another brick in the foundation of a program aiming for greatness. The keys to victory will be found in execution. Cook's ability to lead sustained drives and manage the offense with precision, Campbell's veteran leadership on the offensive line, and the defensive pressure from Bethea, Henry, and Lane will be the difference-makers. If Shorter's defense can control the line of scrimmage and force Warner's offense into mistakes, while the Hawks' offense capitalizes on explosive plays from Dirden and the receiving corps, this season's second win will be within reach.
The Intangible Edge
As Shorter prepares to step onto the field in Lake Wales, there is an intangible quality that will be brought into this game—belief. Belief in the process, belief in the progress, and belief in each other, and most importantly faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is that quiet confidence, that unshakable faith, that may prove to be the decisive edge as the Hawks take flight once again. Saturday's contest is not just another game; it's a continuation of a journey. A journey that began with the firm understanding that while winning is celebrated, it is the desire to be better, to never settle, that will propel this team toward its goals. As the sun sets on Lake Wales, the Hawks will be ready—not just to play, but to compete in every sense of the word, fighting for every inch, every yard, every point.
The road continues. The foundation grows stronger. #BrickByBrick
