Owls fly past the Lions
Examiner photo by Carter Benton Pedro Martinez has a huge interception return in the Owls 32-0, district-opening win over the Kountze Lions.
Examiner photo by Carter Benton Anderson-Shiro running back Jarvis Haynes rushes for a big gain in the district-opener at Owl Stadium. The Owls won the game 32-0.
Examiner photo by Carter Benton Sophomore Kevin Smith hauls in one of his two receiving touchdowns at Owl Stadium Friday, Sept. 23. Smith also had an interception in the 32-0 district-opener against the Kountze Lions.
ANDERSON - The Anderson-Shiro Fighting Owls used a high scoring first quarter and a stingy defense to trip up the Kountze Lions 32-0, during the District 12-3A opener Friday, Sept. 23, at Owl Stadium. The Owls wasted little time finding pay dirt. At the 7:28 mark, running back Jarvis Haynes followed some great blocks to rumble 85 yards to the endzone to take a 6-0 lead.
Sophomore quarterback Connor Daley continued to have a hot hand, connecting with fellow sophomore Kevin Smith with 2:41 left in the opening quarter.
Haynes barreled across the goal line again in the opening-quarter, this one from 36 yards out, to take a 19-0 lead. Haynes rushed for 158 yards on 15 carries. The second quarter was quiet offensively, but the Owl defense shined. Smith picked-off the Lion’s quarterback to end a threat by Kountze late in the second quarter. Junior ball hawk, Pedro Martinez, led the Owls with two interceptions and seven tackles.
After a quiet start to the next half, the Owls added to their lead as time expired in the third quarter. Daley connected with Smith again, this one from 23 yards out. Kieran Gill hit the extra point to make the lead 26-0. Following another Owl interception, Ta’Colby Calhoun weaved his way in from 6-yards out to end the scoring and put the final touches on a 32-0 win.
On the night, it was a very workmanlike effort from the Owls. Coach Hodges emphasized all week that the Owls needed to get off on the right foot to start district play. Following the game, Hodges stated, “We did a lot of things right tonight. We got a big win to start district play. A lot of guys are contributing. A new guy or two steps up each week. I am excited that our guys continue to grow and get better week in and week out.”
The Owls are an unfinished product. “We just have to clean up a few things and just be a bit more consistent throughout the game,” said Hodges. He singled out the student section, fans, and Owl stadium as an advantage. “We heard them! They made some noise, and it made a difference again! I cannot thank them enough for coming out! It pumps those kids and the coaches up!”
This week, the Owls (4-1, 1-0) continue district play against the Newton Eagles (4-1, 1-0) in East Texas. This will be a battle for the lead in the district. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Newton. As always, game updates and videos will be posted to the Navasota Examiner’s “Examiner Sports” page on Facebook as cell service permits.