Hawthorne Football Finishes Regular Season 10-0
HAWTHORNE — Senior Night at Hawthorne High is a serious subject, and the Hornets proved their upperclassmen are no joke with a 34-12 win Friday against the previously undefeated Dunnellon Tigers.
Hawthorne (10-0) ended a perfect regular season with a 50-game home win streak, its third perfect regular season in the past five years.
“Senior Night is the best part of the season for me,” Hawthorne coach Cornelius Ingram said.
The Hornets had an unfortunate start to the game after fumbling the ball twice in the first quarter. On their opening possession a turnover in Hornets’ territory resulted in a touchdown for the Tigers (8-1). The Hornets managed to block their extra-point attempt.
Hawthorne prevented further damage by recovering its second fumble thanks to senior Demeion Rutledge.
After the Tigers’ first touchdown, the Hornets’ defense came to life, ending the first quarter trailing just 6-0.
Hawthorne’s offense began to find its footing early in the second quarter. Senior Ari Bentley turned a direct snap into a long first-down run and later a touchdown. He then followed the play with a two-point conversion to give the Hornets an 8-6 lead.
Dunnellon’s following possession was rammed by a hard-hitting Hornet defense. A sack by senior Cortlyn Mack forced a punt, which was then blocked by junior Willie Sutton.
The following drive paved the way for Ari Bentley’s second touchdown of the night, but he fell short of the two-point conversion.
Hawthorne’s second sack came on the following Dunnellon drive, with senior Javontae Williams on the takedown. His work, in tandem with the rest of the defense, kept the game 14-6 at halftime.
A trip to the locker room only empowered the Hornet defense. Dunnellon’s opening drive ended in a three-and-out.
The Tigers side of the field was home for most of the third quarter. Senior Jelani Bentley followed suit with his twin brother, scoring a rushing touchdown and the two-point conversion.
Another rushing touchdown by junior Camron Woods allowed Hawthorne to end the third 28-6 following the blocked extra point.
The seniors on defense also continued to shine in the third quarter with Mack and Williams both making their second sacks. Mack’s sack forced a turnover on downs.
Quarter four saw a revitalized Dunnellon offense score a touchdown, but failed on the two-point conversion.
However, Hawthorne had an answer. In the final two minutes, Ari Bentley scored his third touchdown of the night, which was accompanied by another failed extra point.
“I’m at home coaching. This is a luxury for me,” Ingram said. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
Hawthorne, the 1A-District 4 champ, is vying for its second consecutive state championship this season. Its postseason begins Nov. 13. The Florida High School Athletic Association will announce the playoff brackets and seedings Friday.
Category: Hawthorne High School, High School Sports
