Hawk's defense can't stop Wando and Dakairee Alston
Hanahan coach Charlie Patterson’s preseason concerns have become regular-season reality.
The veteran coach had worries about his team’s defense heading into the 2016 season because only two starters on D returned from last year’s team that went 8-3. Six of the nine new starters were sophomores.
The defense, for the second straight week, gave up too many yards and too many points. Wando traveled to Hanahan and beat the Hawks 34-22 Thursday night in a game that was moved up a day because of the threat of Hurricane Hermine.
“Like I told the team after the game, I don’t have any magic dust I can sprinkle to make things right,” Hanahan coach Charlie Patterson said. “We just have to keep working to get better. We’re just not in the right place now.”
Wando’s running Dakairee Alston was the difference for the Warriors as he carried 25 times for 149 yards and four TDs.
The Hawks, who defeated May River 47-13 in the opener, have surrendered 66 points the past two games. They dropped a 42-35 decision to Andrews in Week 2. Things won’t get any easier this weekend when the Hawks play County rival Berkeley. The Stags are also 1-2.
The Hawks’ Victor Colbert threw touchdown passes to Javante Grant and Jamie Watson while Jerry Bailey rushed for the other score.
Patterson isn’t ready to push the panic button just yet – and for good reason. Last year, the Hawks dropped two in a row, but finished the regular season with five straight region wins to push their record in conference play to 29-1 in the last six years.
“We just have to work on getting consistent – just not on defense,” Patterson said. “We have to be more consistent on offense, defense and our kicking game. This involves the entire team.”
Hanahan defeated Berkeley 35-18 last fall en route to the Region 8-AAA championship. Patterson expects a challenge when the Hawks hit the road to Moncks Corner.
“Berkeley is very athletic,” Patterson said. “They have an outstanding quarterback who can get things done. They have some good receivers as well. They have athletes everywhere.”