WILSON, N.C.- Shorter Football earned their first victory in Conference of Carolina's action in a 33-7 rout of Barton Saturday afternoon at Truist Stadium. 

The hosts struck first in the opening quarter, returning a Hawks fumble to the house for a 36-yard scoop and score. The Hawks broke through at the halfway mark of the second after Sky Niblett hauled in a 3-yard touchdown pass from Jeb Walls to cap off a 14-play, 89-yard drive. After a strong defensive possession that ended in a Jahseim Henry sack, Shorter drove down the field and converted on a 20-yard field goal from Edgar Bermudez to make it a 10-7 affair at the half. 

Shorter opened the second half on the right note, as Walls found Ladarius Smith for a 26-yard receiving touchdown to make it a two-possession game early in the third. The Hawks continued to roll through the Bulldog's defense as Lanear McCrary Jr. found the endzone to increase the Hawks' lead. Shorter's defense continued to shut down Barton in the final quarter, holding them scoreless for the remainder of the game. Bermudez added to the lead on a 30-yard field goal late that would be followed by a David Hill score to make it a 33-7 victory for the Hawks. 

The Hawks dominated on both sides of the ball, out-gaining the Bulldogs 490-166. The Hawks ran for 268 yards while passing for 222, and held the high-powered rushing attack of Barton to just 51 yards. Jeb Walls had a career day for Shorter, going 25-32 in the air with 222 yards and two scores. Lanear McCrary Jr. ran the ball 23 times for 109 yards and two touchdowns, while Carlos Mann had 100 rushing yards on 16 attempts. David Hill rounded out the Hawks' rushing with three carries for 41 yards and a touchdown. Dennis Sims led the Hawks in receiving with seven catches for 84 yards. Ladarius Smith hauled in four passes for 55 yards and a score as Skyler Niblett followed with seven catches for 55 yards and a touchdown. Shorter's defense dominated, as Jahseim Henry led the way with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble, while Haneef Muwwakkil recorded an interception and two tackles. 

Head coach Zach Morrison on today's victory, "Today wasn't just a win. It was identity. I am so proud of how the team came together for a complete win. We rushed for 268 yards because our offensive line decided the line of scrimmage belonged to them all day. Jeb Walls threw 25 completions with zero turnovers because he trusted his preparation and his playmakers. Sky Niblett and Ladarius Smith found the end zone through precision and toughness. Carlos Mann and Lanear McCrary ran angry, and David Hill slammed the door late with that final touchdown. Our defense held them to 51 rushing yards and created chaos up front. This team dominated time of possession, executed on critical downs, and played like brothers determined to finish. These young men are growing up fast, and tonight they showed what happens when belief meets execution". 

UP NEXT

Shorter will return to Ben Brady for senior day as they host North Greenville next Saturday at 7:00 PM. 

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