ROME, Ga. — On a humid afternoon in September, while the Georgia air hung heavy with expectation, the Shorter University Hawks authored their first chapter of the 2024 season—a thrilling 29-5 victory over the Mississippi College Choctaws. This was not merely a win; it was a testament to perseverance, to the kind of relentless pursuit that transforms ordinary contests into meaningful victories. A win earned not through flash but through grit, unity, and the dogged belief that winning is the product of more than the scoreboard—it's the culmination of hard-fought inches.

Offensive Symphony of Resilience
The Hawks offense, a symphony of determination, pieced together 341 yards of total offense, blending tactical precision with moments of individual brilliance. Quarterback Harold Cook stood poised and patient, threading 17 completions on 24 attempts for a stellar 70% accuracy. His connections, particularly with wide receiver Trevon Dirden, proved decisive. Dirden, in an athletic display that could rival any gridiron great, danced through the Mississippi secondary to haul in a pivotal touchdown. Dirden finished the evening with 6 receptions for 100 yards and the lone receiving touchdown. Bo Mosteller and Cobi Bates each finished with 4 receptions aiding in the air attack.
The ground game, though slow to ignite, became a force of nature as the second half unfolded. Running back Lanear McCrary found his rhythm, breaking free for significant gains as the Mississippi defense faltered under the relentless pressure. It was a performance that reflected not just strength, but a team that, brick by brick, wore down its opponent. McCrary finished the game with 19 carries for 76 yards and one touchdown. Charles Alia also helped bring the ground attack with 10 carries for 46 yards and a touchdown. 
Key Offensive Stats:

• 341 total yards
• 3 touchdowns (1 passing, 2 rushing)
• 17-of-24 passing, 70% completion

Yet for all its success, the offense left room for self-examination. Coach Morrison stated, "I was proud of the offense, but they know we left points on the field. We will celebrate the victory and start preparing for the next opponent."

Defensive Dominance
If the offense was a study in resilience, then the Hawks' defense was a masterclass in dominance. After an early Mississippi College field goal, the defense took the field like a force of nature, allowing no points the rest of the game. They attacked from every angle, registering 4 sacks and 8 tackles for loss, disrupting the opponent's rhythm and will. Trent McCord played a stellar game, led the way with 10 tackles, while Devonn Lane's 7 stops were instrumental in locking down Mississippi's offense. The Hawks also took advantage of the Choctaw's pass attack with two interceptions with Trey Thomas and Hugh Barbee making the INT. The Shorter defensive line was all over making plays in the backfield with key plays from Tony Bethea, Jahseim Henry, Nakobi Spurrier, and Michael Matos.
Key Defensive Stats:

• 3 points allowed
• 4 sacks, 8 tackles for loss
• 2 interceptions (Barbee, Thomas)
• 238 total yards allowed
• Held opponents to 3/18 third-down conversions (16%)

At the heart of this effort was a sequence late in the game that will linger in the minds of Hawks fans. Mississippi College, desperate and determined, lined up for a crucial fourth-down attempt—only to be met with the full force of the Hawks defense, their collective will coalescing into an immovable wall. The stop, like a final brushstroke on a masterpiece, was a defining moment, ensuring that Mississippi would leave empty-handed and Shorter victorious.

Special Teams: The Unsung Heroes
In a game where every phase contributed to victory, special teams quietly ensured that momentum remained firmly in the Hawks' grasp. Cody Earle was able to block a punt and recover in the endzone shifting the game in the Hawk's favor. Tyler Simpson had many booming kickoffs, punctuated by several touchbacks, kept Mississippi pinned deep, while Bates' electrifying punt return for 16 yards hinted at his potential for game-breaking plays.
Punt coverage was steady, if not perfect, with 34.6 yards per punt, and 3 punts inside the 10 yard line and the team responded admirably when faced with adversity.

A Victory Both Earned and Incomplete
This was no ordinary win. It was a victory etched in the sweat of players who believe that each game, each practice, each moment is an opportunity to grow. The first brick in what promises to be a towering 2024 season has been laid, but the work, as Head Coach passionately reminded his team, is far from over.
There are corrections to be made—penalties to erase, drives to finish, and fast starts to demand. Yet, in the hallowed halls of Shorter's locker room, the message is clear: This is just the beginning. The goal was not simply to win the day but to build something lasting, something that will stand the test of time. "We give all the Glory to God.  I am so proud of the team and the complete victory we were able to achieve.  We went 1-0 today," Coach Morrison remarked, "but the work is never done."

Conclusion
There are victories that serve as mere stops along a journey, and then there are victories that redefine the path ahead. For the Shorter University Hawks, this was the latter. The road to greatness is paved in moments like these—moments where preparation meets opportunity, where belief overshadows doubt, and where a team, bonded by faith and purpose, takes one step closer to realizing its potential.
As the sun sets on this victory, the Hawks know they cannot afford complacency. The next challenge awaits, and the pursuit of excellence will continue, brick by brick.

Final Score:
Shorter University 29, Mississippi College 5
#BrickByBrick