Pleasant Grove
LAST WEEK: The Hawks (8-0, 3-0) defeated Pittsburg (5-3, 2-1), 28-10.
THIS WEEK: Pleasant Grove plays at Spring Hill (5-3, 0-3) in a District 7-4A, Division II clash.
OFFENSIVE STANDOUTS: TJ Cole rushed for 88 yards and scored two touchdowns, while teammate Bruce Garrett led the team in rushing with 123 yards on just 13 carries and a score. Carson Cox caught five passes for 75 yards, including a 17-yard TD pass from Ben Harmon, who hit on 5 of 8 passes for 91 yards. DEFENSIVE STANDOUTS: Caleb Porchia led the Hawks in tackles with 10, including two for a loss. Linebacker Xavier Benson had eight stops and an interception. Freshman standout Landon Jackson caused disruption in the backfield throughout the night and finished with six solo tackles, including one for loss, and two sacks. Defensive lineman Austin Toler made eight stops, while fellow lineman Drake Fowler had seven. Ryan Pickelman added six tackles.
COACH JOSH GIBSON’S COMMENTS: “I am proud of how we played. We played a very well coached team and to give up just 10 points to a team that scored 57, 46, and 44 in there last three games. We only had the ball for three plays in the first quarter. They controlled the ball and the clock. But our defense bowed their back and held them to a field goal and played well the rest of the game. It was a
hard fought game.
“Landon (Jackson) is a special kid. He is growing up in front of everybody’s eyes. He has made some big impact plays this season and leads our team in sacks right now. Bruce (Garrett) and TJ (Cole) had a great night on offense; that is usually because there are some guys in front of them creating holes. Nick Gavriel and Drake Fowler were mashing and creating holes. Zach Wrinkle played well as a senior leader for us. Chauncey Martin was out, and we played three safeties that we haven’t played all year. Tyler Kelley was back from his injury and had a really good game. Riley Durmon and Sergio Rodriguez got some good experience. Xavier (Benson) plays well in all three phases of the game—offense, defense, and special teams. Ben (Harmon) made some really good throws.”