10/9/21
Complete Game Coverage: SWO - 54. S. Lenoir - 6. Final:
SWO - 54. s. Lenoir - 6.
The only thing slowing down the Stallions on Friday evening was the torrential rain that caused an approximate 1 hour delay of kickoff. Aside from the showers, it was full steam ahead as SWO put this one away early and cruised to a 54-6 road win over the Blue Devils of S. Lenoir.
So. RB Corbin Kerr was the focal point of the Stallion attack in the early going as he galloped for touchdown runs of 14 and 29 yards in the first quarter alone. By halftime, Kerr had already amassed over 150 yards rushing and finished with well over 200 (my estimate) for the game.
As the game progressed, others joined in the scoreboard fireworks. Sr. RB Daquan Hatchett was having a good time juking defenders and plowing through for a couple TDs (there would have been a 3rd but it was called back due to a penalty). However, I kept the video clip so be sure sure to check out the video highlights (link below).
Marcus Lucas, Donovan Strader, Andrew Hines, and Jason Rodriguez also reached paydirt for the Stallions.
On the flip-side, the Stallion D was relentless and only gave up 1 big play to the pass-happy Blue Devils. A stellar effort by DL/LB/DBs!
My Observations - Positives
- Kudos to the Stallions coaching staff! In what was a rather ho-hum game atmosphere (largely due to frequent showers that kept things kind of subdued), they had the players engaged and focused. The game plan was sound and the execution efficient. The team is playing much better as the season has progressed.
- Donovan Strader is a special talent and shined brightly on Friday evening. Strader had a couple of highlight reel catches that will make my top plays. I hope Strader gets many more touches in the remaining games. He's a threat to take it to the house every time the ball is in his hands.
- Another senior shoutout to #11, Daquan Hatchett. He's small in stature, but packs a load! Hatchett doesn't shy away from contact and always gives 100% effort. His leaping TD (right in front of me) was certainly one of THE top plays of the season!
- Marcus Lucas is the emotional heart-and-soul of this team. He's the one who fires up the team and provides vocal leadership throughout the game. I've heard several comments this season saying essentially.... "I wouldn't want to try to tackle #52!" Lucas is built (and plays) like a tank!
- Tre Hardison really impresses me. You know... Its not easy being the big guy. There's nowhere to hide. He's always the center of attention and the target of the opponent. Whether playing offense or defense, the opponent schemes specifically to deal with big #75. He doesn't give up and is really beginning to flex his muscle and assert himself. Tre just keeps on going and going and going. Perhaps Tre should dress up like the "Energizer Bunny" for Halloween :)
Things to Work On
- Just one... Keeping compusure. Football is a contact sport and tempers can flare. But you've got to be the bigger person and walk away.
Moving Ahead
As we are playing good football and improving weekly, I'm not sure a bye-week is what we need; but its what we've got. So hopefully we get a little rest and healing. There are 2 CRITICAL regular season games remaining against James Kenan and East Duplin respectively. If we can win out, we still have a shot at the playoffs (I think). More importantly, it will be a chance to prove that we have indeed improved and will be contenders in this brutally tough conference. Its no longer the Coastal 8 where we steamrolled opponents on a weekly basis. We have to earn our place at the top of this conference! So remember that 'iron sharpens iron' and let's get razor sharp! For all intents and purposes, the next 2 games ARE THE PLAYOFFS! So prepare for them and treat them accordingly.
Game Story (courtesy of JD News): https://www.jdnews.com/story/sports/2021/10/08/high-school-football-jacksonville-area-week-8-roundup/5988958001/
Video Highlights: https://youtu.be/J2nTi0esdTg
Photos (courtesy of Kay McCloskey): https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2ugvydx0rsezuq0/AAB29vG2DeDJEl06RFx_qFMva?dl=0
