Owls fly past the Warriors

By Carter Benton

Examiner sports reporter

WARREN - The Anderson-Shiro Fighting Owls got a big win against the Warren Warriors 29-8, Friday, Oct. 14.  

The Owls (6-3, 2-2) recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff which helped set the tone for the game. Sophomore Connor Daley capitalized hitting Pierce Goodwin from 35 yards on a fourth down throw to get the opening score. Kieran Gill’s kick was true, for a 7-0 lead. 

Warren runs a ball control, slot-T offense that eats a lot of clock. The Warriors were not able to move the ball well against the Owl defense but did chew clock. 

Owl Head Coach Brad Hodges stated before the game, “They pose a different type of problem for everyone with their offense. We really need to adjust, be disciplined to that, and score points when we have the opportunity.” That is just what the Owls did. The Offense moved the ball well and made the Warriors pay often. Deep into the second quarter, Daley connected with his dependable junior tight end Jordan Coronado over the middle for a 21-yard touchdown strike. Gill split the uprights for a 14-point lead.  

The Defense again held the line and the Owls got the ball back late in the half. Hodges and Offensive Coordinator, Robert Jackson, reached into their bag of tricks with a well-executed throwback pass. Daley handed to Goodwin on what appeared to be an end around play, but Goodwin stopped and threw it back to Daley who scampered 38 more yards with a host of Owl linemen leading him to the endzone. The Owls went for a two-point point conversion after a Warren penalty on the initial kick. Gill, the place kicker, hauled in the reception to take a 22-point lead into halftime.

After halftime, the Owls were determined to give Warren a dose of their own medicine, putting the ball on the ground and chewing clock.  The Owls opening drive took 6:03 capped by a Jarvis Haynes’ 10-yard run. Haynes rushed for 101 yards on the night.

Hodges and crew leaned on Defensive Coordinator Bill Cowley and his motley crew to bottle up the Warriors.  Warren scored late finalize the score 29-8. Junior defender Kevin Cabrera had 7 tackles, a forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries. Senior linebacker Travis Anderson had another 7 tackles with 2 being for loss to help stop the Warriors.  

Hodges credited his coaching staff for putting together a game plan and having the Owls really ready to play all year. “Coaches Trant, Biggs, Jarrell, Macik, Herbert, along with Cowley and Jackson really have worked hard coaching and teaching these guys all year,” said Hodges. “Our coaches put in many hours away from home and I know the players benefited and are appreciative. They are great teachers on and off the field! We were prepared and very disciplined for a very different look Friday night. Credit those coaches for that!  We appreciate those guys and their sacrifices!”  

The Owls are looking at a very possible return to the playoffs. “We certainly are not going to rely on others to help us make the playoffs. We want to win and get in. However, it is possible with our district that we could secure a playoff berth during the bye week if the chips fall right in some other games,” explained Hodges. “This week we must get completely healthy and be even more disciplined headed into district showdowns with Hemphill and Trinity.” 

Regardless of what happens during the bye week, the Owls still control their own future. As always, if you cannot make it out to the games, follow along at the “EXAMINER SPORTS” facebook page for updates, videos and commentary on all your Grimes County Friday night action!