Hawks pull out a victory over St. John's, but work to make improvements
The Hanahan Hawks football team snapped a three-game losing streak with a 20-14 victory at St. John’s Friday night.
Coach Charlie Patterson was happy with a game that went into the win column, but said his team must make many improvements if the season is to be successful.
“Again, we played well at times, but we are still our own worst enemy,” Patterson said after his team upped its record to 2-3. “We had turnovers, two interceptions and two bad snaps and a multitude of penalties. We had a touchdown called back on a penalty. We can’t seem to get out of our own way. Even in a win, we did a lot to beat ourselves. Until we stop doing that, it is going to be hard to win.”
The good news is that the Hawks managed a victory as they navigate through the toughest part of their schedule. St. John’s lost for the first time this season as the Hawks topped the Islanders for the second year in a row. Last year, the Hawks survived the Islanders, 28-27.
The Hawks face another tough challenge this week with a home game against Cane Bay. The Hawks are 0-2 at home this season, and must overcome a strong Cobra team that has won three consecutive games after dropping the season-opener against Ashley Ridge. They own victories over Goose Creek, Stratford and Timberland, outscoring the three foes by an 89-26 margin.
“They have a very good team,” Patterson said. “Their quarterback is a great player and their slotback is very fast. I’ve watched their game film, and I’m impressed.”
Running back Quincy Mitchell scored all three of Hanahan’s touchdowns as he continues to show improvement every week. He rushed for more than 240 yards and scored all three of his TDs in the first quarter. He now has nearly 600 yards and the ground and has scored eight touchdowns.
“Quincy had another big game,” Patterson said of Mitchell, who is the defending state champ in the 100- and 200-meter dashes. “He’s pretty much our offense right now.”
Mitchell’s emergence takes some of the pressure off first-year quarterback Jake Ward, who has shone at times this season.
“Jake’s done some good things,” Patterson said. “But he has to get better and the receivers have to catch the ball. “Jake’s forced some things when he’s been pressured. Again, we have to get better.”
It was only the Hawks’ fifth win in the last two years against 11 losses.
The Hawks are averaging 21 points per game heading into the Cane Bay showdown. They are giving up 24.2.
“I told the guys it was a good win, one we needed,” Patterson said. “We’re not looking down on it. We just know that we’ve got a lot to work on to get better. We have a full week of practice to get things straightened out.”