Hawthorne Hornets Keep Streak Alive

By TaylorAnn Eidam, Camden Nolde and Olivia Velardo

HAWTHORNE — The Hawthorne Hornets remained undefeated with two regular-season games remaining after their 28-0 win Friday against the Union County Fightin’ Tigers.

Poor Conditions and Penalties

The game started at 7:30 p.m. after receiving three inches of rain the previous night. The field was soggy and slick. This led to many plays falling victim to players slipping while running with the ball.

The officials’ whistle was blown many times toward the Hornets (7-0) for the majority of the game. The announcer described it as “being punished with penalties.”

Powerhouse Defense

The Hornet’s defense was a force to be reckoned with. Hawthorne made many key third-down stops. This brings the Hornet’s average

tackles to 68.7 per game.

Union County (3-3) had many close interception calls with Hawthorne’s defense pressuring its offense. In the fourth quarter, Tremain Johnson intercepted the ball on the 20-yard line giving Hawthorne the ball. This led to Hawthorne’s last touchdown with a minute to go.

Quarterback Cj Ingram praised his defense saying, “Our defense came out and played ball tonight.”

 

Key Players

The Hornets had many key players who contributed to the blowout game.

Junior Keenon Johnson had two touchdowns, including an 80-yard rush.

TOUCHDOWN HAWTHORNE

#7 CJ Ingram handoff to #9 Keenon Johnson

Johnson runs down the field!

Hawthorne: 21
Union County: 0

Fourth Quarter 6:18 @ESPNGainesville @HHS_Football352 pic.twitter.com/upb2fv3Mxt

— Olivia Velardo (@OliviaVelardo) October 14, 2023

Senior Matthew McKinley-Daniels completed a passing touchdown.

Senior Alvon Isaac made a beautiful catch in the back of the end zone to give the Hornets their last touchdown.

Ingram noted Earick Williams III as another key player and also gave props to his opponent.

“Good Union County team, they’re very disciplined.”

No Place Like Home

The crowds on both sides were electric as more than 1,000 people attended the game. Hawthorne games are a community event, everyone is family. Coach Cornelius Ingram shares what it’s like playing for his team.

Up Next

Hawthorne is on the road next Friday as it faces North Marion (1-6). Hawthorne is looking to stay undefeated and to work on this week’s mistakes.

Ingram said the Hornets will follow their successful approach going into next week’s game.

“Watching film, locking in, everything off the field will translate to on the field,” he said. “Getting every guy locked in and having fun, also listening to our coaches.”