Pleasant Grove One Win Away From Undefeated Season
The Pleasant Grove Hawks are one victory away from something that has never happened in school history, an undefeated season.
The Hawks take on Gladewater at home Friday night, trying to finish 10-0. PG wrapped up the #1 seed in the district with their victory last week in Spring Hill.
Head Coach Josh Gibson, was not happy with the way the first half went down in Longview, but says the players stepped up big time in the 2nd half.
The offense produced 48 points. Gibson says looking at the film, Offensive Lineman Brock Bingham played very hard. Lineman Nick Gavriel played well until being hurt in the 2nd half. Fortunately Gavriel did not suffer a season ending injury but will be able to return in a week or two.
Gibson was also glad to see Tyler Allen back in the lineup, "He played with some passion. and Caleb Porchia was the bell cow of the defense and had a great game." Coach also praised Freshman Landon Jackson who he says continues to get better and making plays.
The Hawks have a kicker who is doing a great job for them. Sophomore Dillon Williams is doing everything the coaching staff could ask from him. Gibson says Williams has made numerous kicks over 50 yards in practice this season. According to his coach, "He is one of the best kickers in the state when it comes to field goals, he's a true weapon.
You gotta believe that if PG needs a field goal to win a playoff game, they want hesitate to call on Williams.
This week is the final regular season game of the year and it is senior night at Hawk Stadium. It has been deemed Blackout Friday, everyone encouraged to wear their black to the game. The Hawks are trying for that unblemished regular season mark. Gibson says, " It's huge. This group has been focused on being one of the best teams in the state. To go 10-0 in our season, playing in our tough district, makes this even more special. The Kids deserve it. We've go to go earn it this week."
On Senior night it's a good time to look at what this senior laden team has meant to the school and the program. Gibson says this senior group has been special, "They were incoming 9th graders when we took over the program. I'm proud of their "buy-in", belief in the program,effort, team unity, I could go on and on.They deserve everything they get because of the time and effort they've put into this program."
To reach that goal of undefeated season they have to get past a tough Gladewater Bear squad. Coach says they play very physical on the offensive side of the ball. They tend to line up and try to run it at the opposing team every play. The well coached Bears play hard year in and year out on defense.
These road warriors, playing only their fourth home game of the season, will be glad to be in Hawk Nation this Friday night. Gibson is happy to be off the road, 'Always great to play at home. We have a great stadium and will continue to have great community support."
As we mentioned earlier it's Blackout Friday, including for the Pep Rally to be held in the Competition Gym at the high school during last period.
Wear your black and come ready to be loud and hopefully watch school history made with a victory over the Bears.
10-0, it just has a good ring to it!!