Hawthorne Routs Bayshore

HAWTHORNE — After going two weeks without playing a game, Hawthorne High football coach Cornelius Ingram did not have to worry about shaking off some rust his team may have accumulated, as the Hornets jumped out to a blistering 41-0 halftime lead that became the final score against the Bradenton Bayshore Bruins.

“We were so excited to play,” Ingram said.

Part of that excitement may have stemmed from the fact that Hawthorne’s Friday contest against the Bruins (4-3) was both the Hornets’ homecoming game and senior night.

“Every year, I give all of our seniors an opportunity before we get to the field to reflect on their lives and tell their teammates and coaches what football has done for them,” Ingram said. “It’s probably one of the most emotional things I’ve ever been a part of. And to hear some of these young men’s stories brings you to tears.

“[Senior night] is probably my favorite night because we let our seniors speak and to hear them talk about not only myself, but maybe another coach who has played a huge role in their lives … It’s the most priceless thing I’ve ever been a part of. So, it was super emotional today.”

One senior who made an impact on the game was Ingram’s son, Kyler. The team’s anchor at linebacker, Kyler Ingram had a memorable moment as he was subbed in at tight end and hauled in a touchdown in the first quarter from sophomore quarterback Richard Roundtree Jr. 

“It meant everything,” the veteran coach said, teary-eyed. “Just a proud father moment for me.” 

Roundtree finished with two TD passes, with the other a 10-yarder to senior receiver Darian Bowe. Sophomore running back Derryek Gillins also scored twice, one off a 40-yard run.

Hawthorne looks keep the momentum gathered from shellacking Bayshore going into next Friday, when it plays 5-2 University Christian in Jacksonville at 7:30 p.m.

Category: Football, Former Gators, Hawthorne High School, High School Sports