Hawks Get Revenge
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Updated: November 18, 2017
photos: Steve Thomas
Pflugerville Hendrickson Avenges 2016 Bi-District Loss
Within one season, the Pflugerville Hendrickson Hawks have made a remarkable turnaround. Last year the Hawks went 3-7 overall and 2-4 in district. Despite their record, the Hawks’ two district wins were enough to get them into the UIL 6A Division I playoffs. The Hawks lost 41-28 to the District 14-6A champion Austin Bowie Bulldogs in the Bi-District round. Hendrickson head coach Chip Killian attributed the struggles last year to the youth of the team. This season, the Hawks went 7-3 overall and 5-1 in district. The lone district loss came against District 13-6A champion Round Rock Cedar Ridge, and the other two losses were against perennial powerhouses Smithson Valley and Austin Lake Travis. Killian attributed the turnaround to the team’s maturation. According to Killian, “These guys grew up. We made some scheme adjustments in the offseason embracing our roots, and they did a great job of embracing that.”
For their hard work and maturation throughout the year, the Hawks were rewarded with a rematch against Bowie in the Bi-District round of the UIL 6A Division I playoffs at Burger Stadium. The Bulldogs entered the game at 8-2 overall and 4-1 in district. The losses came against perennial powerhouse Austin Westlake and San Marcos in the de facto District 14-6A championship game last Thursday.
Despite a slow start, the Hawks dominated on both sides of the ball. Senior running back DJ Jackson scored on a 78-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Blaine Barker, and the Hendrickson defense held Bowie to two field goals to take a 7-6 lead early in the second quarter. Senior defensive back Tobias Harris returned an interception for a touchdown to give Hendrickson a 14-6 lead. Junior quarterback Adam Cousins connected with senior wide receiver Thomas Williams on a six-yard touchdown pass, and DJ Jackson found the end zone again on a 74-yard run to give Hendrickson a 28-6 lead late in the second quarter. Senior quarterback Matthew Wheeler scored on a touchdown keeper and connected with junior linebacker Jackson Green on the two-point conversion to cut the deficit to 28-14. Sophomore kicker Michael Skiles netted a 28-yard field late in the second quarter to give Hendrickson a 31-14 lead at halftime.
Neither team was able to score in the third quarter. A solid return and a late-hit penalty set up the Bulldogs at the Hendrickson 33-yard line on the opening drive, but senior defensive back Andrew Travillion cut the drive short with an interception. Later in the quarter, Bowie again drove deep into Hendrickson territory; but senior quarterback Ethan Nunez threw his third interception of the night.
Early in the fourth quarter, DJ Jackson scored his third touchdown of the night on a 20-yard catch to increase the Hendrickson lead to 37-14. After the game, coach Chip Killian described Jackson as a “dynamic player”. Jackson finished the game with 298 yards rushing and 105 yards receiving. Ethan Nunez connected with junior wide receiver Elijah Higgins on three-yard touchdown pass to cut the Hendrickson lead to 37-21. The Hawks recovered the onside kick, however; and junior running back Timieone Jackson sealed the game for Hendrickson at 44-21 with a 13-yard touchdown run.
With the win, Hendrickson improves to 8-3 overall and advances to the Area round of the UIL 6A Division I playoffs. The Hawks will await the winner of Saturday’s Bi-District matchup between Spring and Klein. Bowie, meanwhile, finishes the season at 8-3 overall and 4-1 in district.
by Steve Thomas
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