Hawks look to soar into state title game
FRISCO, Texas—One thing is for sure; the winning team will play for a state title. After making school history last week, Pleasant Grove (14-0) faces its toughest competition yet in Graham (14-0) today at 7 p.m. at The Star in a battle of the unbeatens.
The Hawks are in the Class 4A state semifinals for the first time in school history after routing Melissa 55-14 and claiming the Region II-4A championship.
“The kids are focused and are working hard,”
Pleasant Grove head coach Josh Gibson said. “They are enjoying it, and it's an exciting time for them. They have a business-like approach and have been studying film.
“The biggest thing about the game is, when you get to this point, any of the four remaining teams could win the state championship. The separation comes with the team that alleviates the miscues and creates big plays. Where we are at is a special place.”
Pleasant Grove started off its playoff campaign with a 21-7 win over Tatum. The Hawks thumped Aubrey, 56-28, and knocked out Celina, 33-14, just before eliminating Melissa.
Graham is coming off a 69-41 victory over Bushland and are the Region I-4A champions.
The Steers routed Hillsboro, 59-7, rolled past Monahans, 56-14, and defeated Sweetwater 48-28 before eliminating Bushland.
“Graham is very talented and have been to the semifinals 5 out of the last 9 years,” Gibson said. “They have one of the best programs in the state. They are senior laden, productive, and efficient. Their quarterback is accurate and their receivers are well disciplined. They have a great team.”
The Hawks average 43.5 points per game and have given up just 16.1 points. The Steers score an average of 53.6 points per contest and give up 19.5 points. Many of PG's points are a result of rushing scores that are generated from its Wing-T offense.
Grahams average margin of victory is 34.1 points, while Pleasant Grove's is 27.4 points. The Hawks average 428.8 yards per game, and the Steers put up an average of 489.8 yards.
Senior fullback TJ Cole has scored 25 total TDs for Pleasant Grove so far, with 22 of those coming on the ground. Cole has rushed for 1,458 yards on 189 totes this year for an average of 7.7 yards per touch.
Senior tailback Chauncey Martin has rushed for 878 yards on 83 carries and 12 touchdowns for the Hawks.
Ben Harmon, Pleasant Grove's sophomore quarterback, has hit on 70 of 108 passes for 1,648 yards and 23 TDs.
Senior receiver Carson Cox leads the Hawk offense with 25 catches for 727 yards and 11 scores. Cox averages 29.1 yards per grab.
Standout inside linebacker, senior Caleb Porchia, spearheads the defense and is PG's tackle leader with 175 stops.
Two-way starter senior Xavier Benson has caught 15 passes for 376 yards and five scores while making 96 tackles on defense as an outside linebacker.
Freshman sensation Landon Jackson, an outside linebacker, has 91 tackles, including 25 for a loss, and a team-leading 10 sacks.
Caleb Hemphill, a senior safe-
ty, is third on PG's team with 93 stops and defensive tackle senior Austin Toler is fifth on the team with 75 tackles.
Graham is led by senior quarterback Tucker Horn. Horn has thrown for 4,018 yards on 222-of-345 passing with 53 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Cameron Parker, a senior, is the leading receiver for the Steers and has caught 61 passes for 1,113 yards and 17 TDs. Senior receiver Callen Mills has 53 grabs for 931 yards and six scores.
Junior running back Chase Gilmore is Graham's leading rusher with 1,942 yards on 225 totes and 30 touchdowns. Gilmore averages 8.6 yards per carry and his longest rush this season went for 84 yards.
Senior middle linebacker Joel Jones leads the Steers' defense with 126 tackles, while teammate senior free safety Wes Martin has totaled 119 stops.
Peyton Johnston, a senior strong safety, has contributed 92 tackles, and junior defensive lineman Will Hays has 87 stops and a team-high nine sacks.
The winner advances to the Class 4A, Division II state championship game against either West Orange-Stark or Wimberley on Dec. 22 at 3 p.m. at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.