The Hawks battle the Cardinals this Friday night in Paris in the Region Final for the right to move on to the State Semi-Final.

Before we talk about the match-up of two heavyweights, first lets look back at Pleasant Groves pummeling of Celina last week. The Hawks dominated Celina in a 33-14 victory in a game played in Sulphur Springs.

It was all about defense for the Hawks who held their opponent to around 100 yards total offense and two touchdowns, which you would be hard pressed to blame on the defense. Hawks Head Coach Josh Gibson said, " There aren't many teams that get held to 100 yards of total offense, and even fewer teams that make it 3 rounds deep in the playoffs. That was an awesome game for our defense..their best game of the year!"

Carson Cox
Carson Cox
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The offense had a pretty good night of their own, with Chauncey Martin and TJ Cole having some very good runs. QB Ben Harmon was on target too hitting on 6 of 9 passes a touchdown. Carson Cox and Xavier Benson had some big catches along the way.

Kicker Dillon Williams who coach describes as a "True Weapon for our team,"  was perfect on point after attempts and field goals.

A good note for the Hawks, Coach Gibson says they should be 100% healthy this week.

Now it's on to the Region Finals against a very tough Melissa Cardinals team, who also are having a stellar year. The Cardinals beat Gilmer 35-23 last week. Coach Gibson has high praise for their opponent, " Melissa is dangerous, they are ranked ahead of us in one poll and right behind us in another. They are VERY athletic with a 6'3" dual threat QB, great receivers led by #4, a 6'4" kiddo, and an excellent running back that is 200 pounds and as fast as anyone in the state."

Gibson says they are 60/40 run to pass ratio. Their defense plays very hard and a lot of their skill players go both ways.

Coach says to beat Melissa and move on to the State Semi-Final, his team will have to stay away from turnovers and penalties. He says, " Usually the team that plays the CLEANEST this time of year is going to win the game. He wants his Hawks to limit the other teams big plays and create some on our side.

PG Seniors
PG Seniors
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The weather is expected to dry, but cold for Friday nights game in Paris. Cold temperatures can effect some teams offensively, but Gibson says not PG. He adds,"Any kind of weather is HAWK FOOTBALL WEATHER!, we play in the heat, cold, rain or shine!"

Coach Gibson continues to be proud of the community support. He thought the PG crowd last Friday was incredible. He is also thankful for other East Texas communities that joined the Hawk fans to support Pleasant Grove. "We are looking forward to a sold-out venue on Friday at Paris High School. Get there early and BE LOUD!"

This is going to be an intense, hard fought game and the Hawks need Texarkana football fan support. We encourage area football fans to make the short trip to Paris and support these Hawks, who are something special, you will certainly be glad you did.

It won't be easy, but if the Hawks win, they will do something that no PG football team has ever done, and make it to the State Semi-Final.

It's going to be cold, but hey these Hawks are playing in December, this is football weather. Bundle up, buy some hot chocolate from the concession stand and make as much noise as possible!!!

GO HAWKS, BEAT MELISSA!!!!

 

 

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