The Pleasant Grove Hawks are heading to "The Star" in Frisco to take on Aubrey in the 2nd round of the Texas High School Playoffs.

For the second year in a row the Hawks will sit down to give thanks, and eat some turkey and dressing with family, before heading out Thursday night to practice under the lights.

Then on Friday it's off to the fabulous "Star" to play Aubrey at 4PM.

The Hawks improved to 11-0 last week with a victory over Tatum in the first round of the playoffs at their place. Coach Josh Gibson was high on the PG defense which smothered the Eagles most of the night, " We played extremely well on defense. To hold any opponent to negative rushing yards and 7 points in the playoffs is a special accomplishment. I'm proud of the defensive coaches and players."

Defensive corner back Tyler Kelly made possibly the play of the year for the Hawks so far, as he ran down a Tatum receiver who seemed destined to score a touchdown and reduce the Hawks lead to just 7 points in the 2nd half. Instead the defense held and the Eagles got nothing out of the play and never scored another point.

Gibson loved the play that Kelly made, " Tyler's play is one we preach about all the time...never give up on a play and always pursue FULL TILT until the whistle is blown. Tyler's effort saved a touchdown. We will use that play clip for a long time about why we never quit on plays. Proud of Tyler."

As for the next opponent, Aubrey, Gibson says they are well coached and run the Wing T just like the Hawks do. Defensively, they run multiple fronts but like to base out of a split front,.

Of course playing at the facility in Frisco is a great venue for both players and fans. Gibson says, "It's the nicest high school stadium in the nations. We are lucky to be playing there, and even luckier that our kids have played there before which helps with "The big eyes."

Gibson hopes his team can take another step and continue to grow. He says,"The players always want to get better and we usually do because of their attitude and effort."

As we mentioned above the Hawks will practice under the lights on Thanksgiving Night. Gibson says, "It's a special thing to practicing on Thanksgiving and playing that weekend. We are fortunate to have done this the last two years. The Thanksgiving games give extended families an opportunity to come watch their relatives play and perform. To be able to do this at the Ford Center makes it even more special."

Here's hoping everyone has a chance to give thanks for all their blessings, enjoy family and good food, then head to Hawk Stadium Thursday night, for practice under the lights.

The topper to a fantastic Thanksgiving Weekend would be a huge Hawk Nation Fan Base at "The Star", a Hawk victory over Aubrey, and a ticket to the 3rd round of the playoffs.

Happy Thanksgiving and GO HAWKS!!!

 

 

 

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