PG Rolls into Region Semi-Final, Celina Next Up for Hawks
The Pleasant Grove Hawks feasted on Aubrey the day after Thanksgiving, now they prepare for a familiar foe, Celina.
The Hawks literally blew away Aubrey scoring 56 points in a route at "The Star' in Frisco last Friday. Defensively PG allowed a score on the very first drive of the day, but did not allow another point until 1 minute was left in the 3rd quarter. In between, the Hawks scored 35 unanswered points. We'll get to the offense in a moment.
First the defense again proved to much for their opponent. Coach Josh Gibson says the defense did a good job of "Bending but not breaking." Aubrey managed some long drives and ate up clock, but most importantly it did not translate into many points."
Offensively, the Hawks did almost everything perfectly. Gibson put it this way, "EVERYONE performed well. When you score 56 points in 27 plays almost everything is going right."
Quarterback Ben Harmon was on target all day, hitting huge passes to T.J. Cole, Xavier Benson, Austin Toler, and Carson Cox. Runners, Chauncey Martin, T.J., and Bruce Garrett rambled and out ran the Aubrey defenders all game long. Gibson credits the O-Line, "That doesn't happen without an offensive line dominating the line of scrimmage."
As you go deeper in the playoffs injuries can be a crucial part of the game, Gibson has good news on that front saying they are actually getting healthier. Lineman Nick Gravriel, who was injured late in the regular season is back to his dominant self. They also expect to get Defensive Back Ryan Pickleman back for the Celina game.
Speaking of Celina, Gibson expects them to have a 10-1 front on defense."They put EVERYONE up close to the line of scrimmage and sell out to stop the run, and put alot of pressure on the Quarterback."
On offense Celina will line up in multiple fronts. They get into spread formations and then line up in the Dead T with three runners in the backfield. Gibson says they have been running these schemes for over 20 years and know what they are doing and are very good at it.
This Friday night's game will be at 7PM at Gerald Prim Stadium in Sulphur Springs. Gibson tells us it has gone through some major renovations and received upgrades and will be one of the nicer venues in East Texas and that the Hawks are excited to be the home team on Friday night.
The community support continues to be fantastic for the 12-0 Hawks, with a large and loud crowd traveling a lengthy distance the day after Thanksgiving to see PG win. Gibson says,"We are thankful for the fans that traveled to "The Star"! I think it will even be better this week in Sulphur Springs because of the proximity."
Last year these two teams met and Celina was the big favorite then. They had to hang on and barely beat the Hawks 23-19.
Here's hoping this much improved and senior laden Hawks team can get revenge this year. A trip to the Region Finals (4th Round of the Playoffs) awaits the winner. It will also include a matchup against either Gilmer or Melissa. But first things first, PG is focusing solely on Celina.
One important note for PG fans traveling to the big game on Friday evening. The PG Hawks Sports Facebook page says that the Sulphur Springs Athletic Director says their city is having a Christmas Parade that evening. Most routes around downtown and the stadium will be closed from around 5:30 to 7:20. Their advice is to be sure and take Highway 19 North off on Interstate 30 to Houston Street.
Once again the Hawks are the home team. Show up and be loud and cheer on these tremendous student athletes and their wonderful coaches!!!!
GO HAWKS!!!!!!