Hawks Ready to Battle Carthage
The Pleasant Grove Hawks at 4-1, are on the road this week to take on another Giant in unbeaten Carthage.
Before we talk about what's ahead, first let's take a look at the Hawks big 49-0 shutout of Tyler Chapel Hill at Homecoming last Friday.
The Hawks bounced back from their first loss since 2016 in convincing fashion and Coach Josh Gibson was pleased, saying, "I was proud of how our team bounced back. We had a great week in practice, more energy, and more focus. There is no doubt that carried over to the game. The kids wanted to dominate every phase of the game, and we accomplished that goal."
PG Quarterback Ben Harmon had a huge night passing the football. Senior Brett Walker and Junior Jackson Cobb were among those who snagged touchdown passes. Gibson noted that the team had a variety of receivers that made big plays when their number was called.
Gibson obviously was pretty happy with the defensive effort. "When you hold a team to 88 yards and only 8 yards passing, there are a lot of guys responsible for that. Getting a shutout was huge and possible because everyone was playing together.'
The Hawks rolled up almost 400 yards offense in the first half which sealed the victory very early. Gibson says the skill position players played very well across the board. he adds the team still needs to take a step on the Offensive Line.
Gibson was thrilled in how the Homecoming Week ended, saying, " We had an awesome Homecoming crowd last week. It was a special night for our kids to be able to play the way they did after a tough loss. They wanted to make PG proud and I believe they did that."
Now it's on to the road trip to Carthage. The Hawks were giant slayers last year, knocking off powerhouses Gilmer and of course West Orange Stark. Now they take on unbeaten Carthage which has been dominating for a number of years.
Gibson says, "Carthage has THE best football program in the state of Texas at any level. What we accomplished here at PG last year was special, but Carthage has done it six times in the last ten years. They play the game almost flawlessly with great belief, discipline and intensity. That's what makes them so special."
Going into the big match up the Hawks are pretty healthy. Gibson says the only starter who is not in the line-up is Brock Bingham with an ankle injury. They hope to have him back in action next week.
However the game Friday comes out, the games that matter as far as playoffs are concerned, begin next week when the Hawks host Pittsburgh. Gibson says as a team, the Hawks take the games one week at a time. So, their focus this week in Carthage, then they will shift their minds to a very touch district schedule.
No one knows if PG can take down mighty Carthage this week, but one thing is absolutely sure, the Hawks will not be out-hustled, will give it their all, and will leave it all on the football field. Their Coach would not have it any other way.
If you can make the trip down Highway 59 and watch two of the very best programs in the state of Texas!!
Good Luck Hawks!!!