This week’s edition of “Friday Night Lights” saw the Hargrave Tigers matched up with the Virginia Spartans. After a defensive battle for much of the night the Tigers were defeated 20-0 dropping them to 1-4 on the season.
After a brutally hot week, the stars aligned and the weather was beautiful for a fall football Friday with a slight breeze blowing through Dick Dyer Field throughout most of the game. The Tigers came out with a purpose after the opening kick-off and forced the Spartans to a quick three and out. Hargrave came out determined to stop the run and did a tremendous job in the trenches defensively during the first half. Offensively, the Tigers moved the ball for most of the first half, both through the air and on the ground. The connection between sophomores Mason Anderson and Nick Hammock was evident as two of Anderson’s first three completions were to Hammock, including an incredible one-handed snag that brought the Hargrave faithful to their feet.
However, despite the hot start by the Tigers, they were unable to put any points on the board and both teams headed into the half knotted up at 0-0 after a back and forth first two quarters.
Both teams picked up right where they left off as the third quarter got started while both teams struggled to get anything going offensively. With just under four minutes remaining in the third quarter, the Spartans opened up the scoring with a touchdown scramble. Trailing 6-0, the Tiger offense stalled, but, as was the case for the majority of the night, Hargrave’s defense came up with a big stop and took advantage of a botched Spartan snap on a punt attempt. The Tigers recovered deep in Spartan territory and looked poised to put some points on the board heading into the fourth quarter.
Unfortunately, the fourth quarter started with an errant Hargrave snap that sailed over junior Caleb Causey’s head which was ultimately recovered by the Spartans. The fumbled snap was one of four Tiger turnovers on the night . Errant snaps and quarterback sacks slowed the Tigers down as they ended up with 48 rushing yards on 31 attempts. The game remained close until about five minutes remaining in the contest. The Tigers were starting to knock on the door following a 21 yard run by Nick Hammock but then the Hargrave offense couldn’t capitalize on the next set of downs. Two plays later, the Spartans connected on a 63 yard touchdown pass and converted on the ensuing two point attempt pushing their lead to 14-0 and completely shifted momentum to their side.
In desperation mode, the Tigers took to the air which resulted in a Spartan interception which was returned to the Hargrave two yard line and then ran in on the Spartans next offensive play, providing the game’s last score as the Spartans secured a 20-0 victory.
In defeat, the Tigers played a sound team game and put together one of their better defensive efforts of the season. Hargrave also had a pair of notable performances, one on each side of the ball.
Offensive Player of the Game:
#7 Nick Hammock (Soph., Dry Fork, VA)
Hammock was outstanding for the Tigers on Friday evening, doing a little bit of everything and really providing a spark for the Hargrave offense. Like a Swiss Army knife, Hammock took snaps under center, in the backfield, and out at receiver. By the end of the night, Hammock’s unofficial stat line looked as such:
Passing: 1-2; 23 yards, 1 INT
Rushing: 8 carries, 77 yards
Receiving: 2 catches, 28 yards
Defensive Players of the Game:
#11 Peyton Johnson (Sr., Clinton, NC)
Johnson seemed like he was all over the field Friday night providing a major defensive presence for the Tigers. Johnson was involved in nearly every play to the tune of 16 tackles and one fumble recovery.
The Tigers are back in action on Friday, October 11th, as they host Roanoke Catholic School during Parents Weekend. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM from Dick Dyer Field.
