The Hawkins Hawks executed their 32-8 victory over the View Park Knights with their strong rushing game. Every touchdown the Hawks made was on the ground.
Both teams were slow to score in the first half but View Park’s defense was strong. The Knights picked off the Hawks three times within that time frame.
Hawkins senior Amahgee Kegler put his squad on the board on a second-and-goal with 1:38 left in the second quarter. Their score was 8-0 after a successful two-point conversion.
Seconds away from halftime, View Park sophomore Joseph Pilcher made his second interception of the night and ran it in to score.
Related Stories
The Rams, City Year, Beautify Washington Prep High School
Princess of Tennis: Coco Gauff’s Historic Summer Solidifies Her as a Tennis Great
“I was surprised because the quarterback threw it … like a juggleball,” Pilcher said. “I thought it was going to be a dot but I got an interception the first time and then the second time, I took it back for a pick-six.”
Both teams were tied at eight points going into halftime. Kegler noted how his head coach told the team they were beating themselves.
“Our coach preaches alignment, assignment and technique,” Kegler said. “And at the half, we let it sink in.”
Knights quarterback Solomon Johnson battled to keep the offensive drives alive despite having to recover fumbles. He got picked off by junior Janerion Marchany and the Hawks started at the Knights 47-yard line.
Hawkins used rushing plays to get them down the field and senior Filiberto Perez ran in a touchdown from 22 yards out. With 7:48 left in regulation, the Hawks were ahead 24-8.
“I told the coaches, I was like “it’s coming.” I told him it was going to be my best game so far and it was,” Perez said. “I was able to do everything I said I was gonna do and we came with the victory.”
Johnson attempted to advance the ball with throws and scrambles, but could not reach Hawkins territory. Hawkins junior Alex Valladares made the last score of the night.
“The passing game was working more than the run game,” Johnson said. “I feel like we could have did better on more of the looking for the ball and more like audibles,”
Hawkins will host the Locke Saints on October 6 at 4:30P.M. View Park will travel to battle the Jordan Bulldogs on Friday at 7:30P.M.
