Hanahan surges into new season with win against May River

So far, so good for the Hanahan Hawks football team, which is hoping to improve on last year’s 3-8 record, a rare losing season under coach Charlie Patterson.

The Hawks traveled to Bluffton last Friday night to battle May River, and the trip was more than worth it as the Hawks gained a 27-8 victory in the season-opener for both teams.

It was just what the doctor prescribed after last year, a season that saw the Hawks lose a handful of close games and surrender 34.7 points per game.

“I think we played pretty decent,” Patterson said. “We started kind of slow, but we took care of business in the second half.”

Friday marked Daniel Island resident Jake Ward’s first game as starting quarterback, and he responded well. He scored on a 9-yard run and passed for 109 yards. The passing totals would have been better if not for three dropped passes, including one that seemed like a sure touchdown.

There were other flaws on offense, especially between shotgun snaps between the center and quarterback. But that’s something that should improve as the Hawks prepare their game against Andrews.

Four Hawks scored on offense. Running back Quincy Mitchell scored on a 2-yard run while Gale Ball broke loose for a 56-yard score. Wide receiver Javante Green displayed his running ability with a 6-yard run.

“Jake Ward did some good things at quarterback, and we had our moments on offense,” added Patterson. “But we have to get better at blocking, running, catching and tackling.”

Mitchell, a state spring champ in track and field, rushed for more than 80 yards before tweaking his knee. Patterson pulled his start from the game as a precautionary move. He says Mitchell will be ready to go this weekend.

The Hawks flexed their muscles early and survived a gut-check situation. Early in the game, the Sharks marched to the Hawks’ 1-yardline, but couldn’t come up with a score.

“That was a great stop,” Patterson said. “But I wish we could have stopped them a lot sooner. We would have a couple of good plays, but they kept the drive alive with some big plays on third down. You can’t let that happen or you will eventually pay for it.”

“That allows an opponent to chew time off the clock,” Patterson added. “And when that happens, it keeps your offense off the field.”

Hanahan led 6-2 at halftime, but took control of the game in the third quarter with a pair of touchdowns.

May River is in its second year of existence. Last year, the Hawks posted a 47-13 victory. But they lost three straight games after the opener and that set the tone for the season.

The Hawks host Andrews Friday, a team that posted a 42-35 victory over the Hawks last fall.

“Andrews looked really good in their opener,” Patterson said. “They beat Waccamaw 54-9. Scott Durham, who was at Goose Creek, has done a good job at Andrews. They have a quick quarterback and tailback and a bruising fullback. It will be a test.”

Daniel Island Publishing

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Unit 108
Daniel Island, SC 29492 

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