Preparation secret to Hawks’ success
Texarkana Gazette Pleasant Grove’s football team has exceeded expectations.
The defending state champion Hawks (13-2) defeated Iowa Park, 49-14, Friday at the Star in Frisco, Texas, to earn a spot against Cuero (14-1) in the Class 4A, Div. II state championship game. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
“It’s unbelievable,” Pleasant Grove head coach Josh Gibson said. “We are the first team in Texarkana (Texas side) to go to backto-back title games. It’s a blessing and a great reward for the effort these guys put into the program. I am proud of them and proud that the community gets to experience this.”
The Black Hawk Defense played solidly and at halftime Pleasant Grove found itself up 35-0. Senior safety Ryan Pickelman forced a fumble and had six tackles against Iowa Park.
“We go through lots of preparation,” Pickelman said. “We study film and our coaches tell us what to expect. So when we get out on the field, we are reacting to the offense. It feels good to lead this year as a senior. We get to take the younger players to a place where they haven’t been yet.”
Team captain and senior free safety Tyler Kelley recovered a fumble, made an interception, and made six stops.
“It’s all in the preparation,” Kelley said. “Our coaches put us in the best position to make plays. My teammates believe in me; when they believe in me, it gives me that extra amount I need to excel. Everybody doubted us, now look at what God did for us.”
Senior Bladen Reaves plays fullback and linebacker. Reaves moved to Pleasant Grove from Bryan, Texas, for his senior year and had 10 tackles against Iowa Park.
“Our defense starts with the three guys up front—Marcus (Burris), Cameron (Weekly), and Jamie (Lewis),” Reaves said. “Those guys are amazing and set up for me and Caleb (Hemphill) to make plays. They just set the whole defense up for success.
“The aggressive side of me and not quitting helps with my success. My dad has raised me like that—to always fight. This is the first time that I have been in the playoffs, and I am just thankful to be here.”
Senior Kamren Woods blocked a punt and Dylan Hopkins caught the ball in the air and took it back 14 yards for a touchdown.
Sophomore outside linebacker Nick Martin led Pleasant Grove with 13 tackles.
Pleasant Grove put in its second team defense in the fourth quarter, and Iowa Park scored late in the game to make it 49-14. Still, the losing Hawks were held to 282 total yards (180 rushing and 102 passing).
The winning Hawks racked up 280 yards of rushing and 150 yards through the air. Bruce Garrett led all rushers with 108 yards on 16 carries.
PG quarterback Ben Harmon threw for 150 yards on 11-of-20 passing and two touchdowns. Jackson Cobb scored both of those touchdowns and finished with three grabs for 110 yards.
The Iowa Park band showed poor taste when it decided to beat its drums while Pleasant Grove was on offense. Coach Gibson informed the referee and the band had to cease playing during the snap count.
What did the losing Hawks’ band do?
The band beat its drums while Pleasant Grove was in the huddle and halted once the players got up to the line. Once the ball was snapped, the band resumed beating its drums. The tactic did not work as the winning Hawks stayed focused and executed on both sides of the ball.
When Cobb sped past a defender, caught the ball and sped down the field on a 44-yard TD in the first quarter, he ran while Iowa Park beat its drums.
Despite whatever crass moves may be in store, Pleasant Grove remains focused, determined, and resilient.