ROME, Ga.- The Hawks came up short to Erskine Saturday afternoon in a heartbreaking 23-19 final.
Shorter controlled the narrative early, as
Jeb Walls waltzed his way into the end zone to give the Hawks the early touchdown lead in the first quarter. On the following drive, the Hawks' defense held strong, as Erskine muffed a punt that would be recovered inside the 24-yard line to put Shorter in prime scoring position.
Edgar Bermudez helped Shorter capitalize with his first career field goal to put the Hawks in front by two scores.
Erskine responded early in the second quarter with a lengthy drive that resulted in a touchdown for the Fleet to bring them within three. Shorter drove down the field once more, with
Edgar Bermudez knocking down his second field goal of the day to put Shorter in front 13-7. After getting another stop,
Jeb Walls led the Hawks down the field for another score as he ran the ball in to put Shorter up 19-7. Erskine capitalized just before the half after a costly Hawks interception to make it a 19-14 affair at the half.
After a quiet couple of drives, the Fleet took the lead at the halfway mark in the third quarter off a 24-yard touchdown pass to jump out ahead 20-19 just before the final quarter.
Shorter's offense struggled to convert in the fourth quarter, as Erskine capitalized on another field goal with 5:53 left to take the 23-19 lead. The Hawks managed to get within striking distance late, but it proved to be too late as the Hawks fell to Erskine in a tough 23-19 defeat.
Jeb Walls accounted for 223 yards of total offense and two touchdowns, with 175 coming from the air and 48 on the ground.
Cardrece Mobley had a solid outing for Shorter, hauling in five passes for 54 yards to lead all Hawks in receiving yards.
The loss drops Shorter to 1-7 overall and 0-4 in conference play.
UP NEXT
Shorter will have their final road trip of the season next week as they face Barton at 2:00 PM.
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