ROME, Ga.- The Shorter Football team snapped its four-game losing streak on Saturday afternoon, defeating Barton 34-14 on Senior Day at Barron Stadium. The win improves the Hawks to 3-6 overall and 2-4 in conference play.
On just the second play from scrimmage,
Jeb Walls connected with
Kyree Jenkins on a swing pass, and Jenkins took it 66 yards to give the Hawks an early advantage. After forcing a three-and-out on the ensuing possession, Shorter's offense continued to roll, putting together another strong drive. Walls capped off the possession with a two-yard touchdown pass to
Silas Hinson in the back of the end zone to give Shorter a two-score lead. The Hawks' defense dominated the remainder of the opening quarter, holding the Bulldogs to just six yards of total offense.
Following back-to-back empty possessions to begin the second quarter, Shorter's offense found the end zone once again. Senior running back
Dreylan Martin broke free for a 29-yard rushing touchdown to extend the Hawks' lead to 21-0 with 8:43 remaining in the half. Shorter's secondary continued to make plays, as
Brandan Ridley intercepted a fourth-down pass on the ensuing possession to give the Hawks another opportunity in Barton territory. However, the momentum shifted when the Bulldogs came away with an interception of their own. Barton capitalized on the turnover, scoring on a three-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to 21-7. Shorter's defense held strong for the remainder of the half, sending the Hawks into the break with a two-touchdown advantage.
The third quarter proved to be a defensive battle, as both offenses struggled to find their rhythm. After Shorter's explosive start, Barton began putting together several promising drives. However, the Hawks' defense, led by defensive coordinator
Harlen Jacobs, continued to rise to the occasion, keeping the Bulldogs off the scoreboard and preserving the 21-7 lead heading into the final quarter.
After Barton missed a 43-yard field goal attempt early in the fourth, Shorter's offense took advantage.
Devin Edmonds connected with
Kyree Jenkins for a 30-yard gain to move the Hawks into the red zone. Edmonds finished the drive with a nine-yard touchdown pass to
Tristan Keigley, extending Shorter's lead to 28-7 with less than 10 minutes remaining.
The Bulldogs refused to go away quietly, answering with a 31-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 28-14. Shorter responded by managing the clock effectively, keeping the ball away from the visitors and limiting their opportunities. The Hawks' defense continued to make plays down the stretch, as senior
Hugh Barbee III intercepted a deep pass to give Shorter possession inside its own five-yard line.
Following a Shorter three-and-out, Barton regained possession and attempted to mount one final comeback. However, on fourth-and-five,
Conrad Hussey stepped in front of a pass and returned the interception 95 yards for a touchdown, putting the finishing touches on a dominant Senior Day performance as the Hawks secured the 34-14 victory.
Jeb Walls led the Hawks through the air, completing 14-of-22 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns, while
Devin Edmonds added 62 yards on 6-of-8 passing.
Dreylan Martin led the ground attack with 55 yards and a touchdown on five carries. In the receiving game,
Kyree Jenkins hauled in a career-high six receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown, while Tristan Kiegley and
Silas Hinson each found the end zone.
Defensively,
Mikey Matos led Shorter with 10 tackles and a forced fumble, while
Quavion Pitts added seven tackles, including three tackles for loss and a sack.
Hugh Barbee III,
Brandan Ridley and
Conrad Hussey each recorded an interception, highlighted by Hussey's 95-yard pick-six to seal the victory.
UP NEXT
The Hawks will close out the regular season as they travel to face Chowan next Saturday for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff.
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