Hawks top Pelion in first round of Class AAA playoffs

It’s a new season now that the playoffs have arrived, but the Hanahan Hawks football team used the same script for success last Friday night. The Hawks deployed a punishing running game and a defense that forced mistakes and turnovers to top Pelion 20-7 in the first round of the Class AAA playoffs.
“It’s great to get that win,” Hanahan coach David Morbitzer said of his team’s home field victory. “There are 16 teams left in the 3-A playoffs and we’re happy to be one of them. I’m very happy for my players and I’m very proud of my staff.”
It’s hard to believe the Hawks were 1-3 early in the 2018 season and heading nowhere fast. But Morbitzer sat down with the seniors to discuss the legacy they would leave behind. The seniors haven’t forgotten that meeting and have responded almost flawlessly.
“It’s crazy how that happens,” Morbitzer said of his team’s turnaround, which now includes a six-game winning streak after the slow start. “We took some steps, made some changes and the seniors took what we talked about and ran with it.”
The Hawks tallied 343 yards in total offense with 290 yards coming on the ground to push their record at home to 5-1. Gale Ball led the Hawks with 223 yards rushing and two long touchdown runs. Shiron Hart added 31 yards and a score on 13 carries while Hunter Mills tallied 36 yards on only three carries.
The Hawks’ defense has shone during the winning streak and Friday was more of the same. The Hawks held Pelion to 268 yards in total offense. Chris Wright recovered a fumble and Donald Vanderhorst picked off a pass.

The Hawks defense has forced 26 turnovers this season, including 15 interceptions. That’s near the top of state leaders. The Hawks’ last loss was a 29-0 decision to Timberland on Sept. 21. Since then, the Hawks have allowed only 49 points.

Morbitzer praised the defensive brain trust of coordinator Steve Blanchard, defensive secondary coach Brian Mitchell and line coach Joe Bowers.

“They have done a great job of putting us in position to win,” Morbitzer said. “I have a great respect for my staff.”

The Hawks will remain at home in the second round of the playoffs. They will entertain Aynor, a 55-26 winner over Battery Creek.

Aynor is coached by Jason Allen, who, like Morbitzer, is in his first year as a head coach at his alma mater.

“They are a hard-nosed, tough football team,” Morbitzer said of Aynor. “They run the ball right at you. They line up and come straight at you.”

S. THURMOND 52, BE 0

The Bishop England football team made a long trip to Johnstown and then experienced a long game as Strom Thurmond posted a 52-0 victory in a first-round Class AAA playoff game.

Strom Thurmond, 9-2, jumped out to a 38-0 halftime lead to send the Bishops home with a 3-7 record.

Strom Thurmond outgained the Bishops 450-36 in total yards.

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