Demons put to rest as Blackhawks achieve victory
By MIKE BURRIS
Having played two consecutive games where ill-timed mistakes and costly penalties thwarted their desire for a victory, the Adrian Blackhawks hosted the El Dorado Springs Bulldogs at the Adrian Athletic Complex last Friday looking to reverse the trend that had produced a disappointing 1-2 record. A win resulting from a better all-around performance would help springboard the team into conference play.
The game did not start any differently than the previous two losses as El Dorado was able to take their opening drive down the field and score on a 33-yard pass from Kanon Hoover to Dusty Nager with 11:23 on the first quarter clock. The touchdown and successful kick by Matt Hooper gave the visiting team an early 7-0 lead. Adrian cleansed itself of previous weeks frustrations and exorcised the demons haunting them by playing nearly mistake free football the rest of the game.
Adrian scored their first touchdown less than three minutes later on a 27-yard scoring strike to Skyler Kariker from the arm of Trevor Gregg. The extra point attempt failed, leaving the Blackhawks one point short of the visiting team.
Adrian’s passing threat was well-established, and the Blackhawks opened the second half of play focusing on running the ball, controlling the clock and ensuring victory.
Erik White capped off the Blackhawk offensive attack by scoring on runs of 32 and three yards. His first score came as the third quarter was winding down. The latter came with 9:18 on the game clock, providing the final points of the game as both extra point attempts failed.
Defensively speaking the Blackhawks were very successful in shutting down the Bulldog rushing game, leaving them with a paltry 38 yards on 34 attempts.
“When you have a good week of practice then good things happen on Friday night,” said Blackhawks Head Coach George Bruto. “Our offense did a good job Friday and our defense played with a lot of emotion,” he added. “This win will help us going into conference play.”
The Adrian Blackhawks open conference play this week as they travel Friday to take on a Rich Hill Tigers team decimated by the departure of last year’s graduating class and a low number of players suited up to play on this year’s squad. Adrian’s record stands at two wins and two losses. Rich Hill will play host, sporting an 0-4 record and hungry to make their season better by spoiling it for the visiting Blackhawks. Adrian looks to reestablish a positive trend by further eliminating mistakes and playing sound, fundamental team football as they head into the meat of their conference schedule.
Right: Adrian’s Luke Hough suffers from a concussion after he tackles running back Trey Barger.
Far right: Skyler Kariker makes a tremendous play for the Blackhawks as he catches the ball thrown by Trevor Gregg.
photos by Joey Bailey
