Hawks Destroy Krum, “The Battle at Gilmer” Looms This Friday Night
The Hawks improved to 5-0, with a 63-0 whitewashing of the Krum Bobcats last Friday.
The Hawks took the opening kickoff for a touchdown and never looked back. Coach Josh Gibson is well pleased with the team's non-conference victories and is looking forward to the Hawks start of district play.
Gibson liked what he saw on offense this past week, "We were efficient in the passing game. We missed some opportunities, but also made some big plays too. I'd still like to see us take a bigger step in this area." Carson Cox had a touchdown reception and 112 yards receiving for the PG.
On the ground, both T.J. Cole and Bruce Garrett had 100+ yard rushing nights. Gibson says the offensive line did a good job of creating holes for the running backs to plow through and he said both ran very well.
Defensively the Hawks obviously had a great night giving up no points and few yards gained to the Bobcats.
The kicking game continues to shine for the Hawks. Quarterback Ben Harmon does the punting, while Dillon Williams takes care of the placekicking. Coach Gibson says, " We don't punt a lot, which is a good thing. However, when we've had to, Harmon is very good at getting the ball off. Dillon Williams is a great weapon. He's been extremely successful this season. He's a top 10% kicker in the state for sure."
Next up for the Hawks is the huge showdown this Friday night in Gilmer against the Buckeyes. On both offense and defense Gibson sums it up this way, "Gilmer is Gilmer."
Gibson says, "They are very well coached and their kids play extremely sound and aggressive. Their offense puts up points. They have one of the most efficient QB's in the state." He adds they have not lost a home district game in over 13 years.
On defense, much the same, well coached and they play sound and aggressive. Pursuit and hard play exemplifies what he sees out of the Buckeyes.
As for what will decide the game between two very good high school football teams, Gibson sums it up this way, "I think the team that doesn't beat themselves will win this game. When two talented teams get together, either team has the opportunity to win. When you face a great team, like Gilmer, you can't help them. We cannot beat ourselves this week."
Gibson says the atmosphere at Gilmer will be like a playoff game, with both teams having great fan support. "Traylor Stadium will be the place to be this Friday night for Texas High School Football," says Gibson.
Gibson says at this point he is proud of where they are as a program and proud of his kids, saying," Our kids have worked hard to become one of the best teams in the state. We are getting a lot of attention right now, and our kids certainly deserve it."
One thing is for sure there should be mutual respect when the two teams collide on Friday night. Gibson says there isn't a program in the state that he respects more than Gilmer, seeing them as one of the premier programs in the state for almost 20 years.
Playing a team of that magnitude has his players, "Fired up and we are looking forward to this game on Friday."
Obviously, the winner of this game will have a huge leg up in capturing the district title. It should be a great high school football game. One thing is for sure, the Hawks are going to lay it all on the line and give it their very best shot to give something to Gilmer that they rarely experience, a home loss.
What would be great is to the see the Hawks side of the stadium, completely filled with an extremely loud fan base. These kids are playing fantastic football, get out and support them!!
And I agree with Coach Gibson, if you love high school football in the state of Texas, Traylor Stadium in Gilmer is the best place to be this Friday night.
Kickoff is 7:30. Good luck to the Hawks.