The Hedley Owls traveled to McLean last Friday night and beat the Tigers 54 – 8, ending the game early due to the 45 point rule.
After Hedley kicker Diego Souza used his howitzer-like leg to drive the opening kick-off through the end zone, as he did all night long, McLean took possession of the ball on their 20 yard line and were held to three yards on three downs. On fourth and 11, Coltin Kingston intercepted the McLean quarterback’s pass and returned it to the Tigers’ 11 yard line. Hedley was unable to advance the ball and turned the ball over to McLean on downs.
The Owls started slowly, scoring their first touchdown with 41 seconds remaining in the first quarter, after exchanging two possessions with the Tigers. After driving from the Hedley 38 to the McLean 25, Nicco Bennett took a pitch from quarterback Brian Evans and sprinted around the right end for 25 yards and a touchdown. The PAT failed and Hedley led the game 6-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Following another booming kickoff by Diego Souza, McLean took possession at their 20 yard line. After Nicco Bennett broke up a McLean pass on fourth and five, Hedley took over the ball and Coltin Kingston immediately hit Nicco Bennett for a 31 yard touchdown pass. The PAT was good, and Hedley led 14-0.
McLean finally got on the board with their only touchdown of the game on their next possession, driving 70 yards for a touchdown. After the PAT was good, the Owls’ defense unsheathed their talons and stuffed the Tigers for the rest of the game.
On the first Owls’ possession of the third quarter, senior running back Coltin Kingston broke off several long runs before sprinting around the left side of the line for a four yard touchdown jaunt. The PAT was good and the Owls sported a 22-8 lead.
Later in the third quarter, Kingston hit fullback Seth Ruthardt in the right end zone with a 13 yard touchdown pass. The PAT was blocked, and Hedley extended its lead to 28-8, with 3:46 left in the third quarter.
Hedley’s defense again rose up and stopped McLean on downs at the McLean ten yard line. On the first play of the possession Coltin Kingston raced around the right side for a ten yard touchdown. The PAT missed and Hedley led 34-8 with 1:44 remaining in the third quarter.
The Owls then surprised the Tigers with a successful onside kick at the McLean 32. Three plays later, Kingston again sprinted around the right side for another touchdown run of 16 yards. The PAT was no good, and the Owls led 40-8, with 1:24 left in the third quarter.
On their first possession of the fourth quarter, the Owls added another touchdown drive, scoring when quarterback Bryan Evans hit junior lineman Kyle Lindsey with a long scoring pass on the third play of the drive. Andy Aizaga added the PAT, and the Owls extended their lead to 48-8. After trading possessions, Hedley got the ball again with 3:06 remaining in the game. On the third play of the drive freshman running back Klaiton Moore threw a 30 yard touchdown pass to freshman end Clay King, who sprinted into the end zone for the final score.
After the game senior Coltin Kingston, who rushed for 141 yards, said, “This (win) feels great, we should have won the first two games, and it feels great to get our first win.” Head coach Darrell Wallace added, “I’m pleased with the strong effort of the offense and improved fundamentals of the team. We have focused on playing four strong quarters and it was good to see four quarters of good effort. Coltin Kingston and Tanner Chambless led a strong effort by the entire team.”
The only negative in the game was a second half knee injury (possible torn meniscus) to senior end Nicco Bennett. At press time, Nicco had undergone an MRI and the results were not yet available.
Prior to this Friday’s (September 21) home opener against Hart, the Hall County-Donley County Farm Bureau will sponsor a tailgate party from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sloppy Joes and drinks will be served at no charge. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to come out for the tailgate party and then enjoy another entertaining game by the Hedley Owls. They are, after all, the real deal.
By Fred Gray, Clarendon Enterprise
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