Owls Fall, still control their destiny

ANDERSON - The Anderson-Shiro Fighting Owls returned after their bye week to face the Hemphill Hornets on Senior Night Friday, Oct. 28, at Owl Stadium falling 48-0. 

The Owls (5-4, 2-3) ran into a determined and talented Hemphill team that was playing for second place in the stacked 12-3A Div. 2 District. Despite the loss, the hometown Owls still control their own playoff destiny.  

Hemphill used a ball control ground game to run the football in wet and windy conditions. The Owls held tough early, but eventually the rain and slippery field conditions along with the relentless Hornet running attack had too much sting for the young team. 

Anderson-Shiro faced a lot of adversity but still had plenty of bright spots. The coaches noted, junior running back Jarvis Haynes put in a workman like performance finishing with 6-yards per carry to lead the offense. Fellow junior Will Lee had 11 tackles with one for a loss. Seniors Jacob Borski and Andre Nguyen had big nights in their final appearance at home. Borski finished with 9 tackles and forced a fumble. Nguyen had 16 tackles, a sack, and graded out at 88% on the offensive side of the ball.  

Looking to this week, Owl Head Coach Bradley Hodges emphasized Friday’s game against the rival Trinity Tigers is huge.  “This week is huge for us, they do not get any bigger. It is really simple, win and we are back in the playoffs,” Hodges explained. Hodges said Trinity is a dangerous and talented team with great players on both sides of the ball. Just like the Owls, they can also still make the playoffs.  

The challenge for the Owls will be to bottle up well coached athletes who have great team speed. The hostile environment of the Tiger Pit will greet the Owls on the banks of the Trinity River Friday night. “It will be a playoff environment in Trinity,” said Hodges. “A lot is on the line.  We have had great crowds follow us across East Texas this year and we need them again Friday Night. I cannot tell you what an advantage they give us. We appreciate the community’s energy. Come out and be loud! The support means the world to these players and coaches.”  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. As always, if you cannot make it out to the games, follow the “NAVASOTA EXAMINER SPORTS” Facebook page for updates, videos and commentary on all your Grimes County Friday night action.