Owls power past Warriors
Examiner photo by Carter Benton Anderson-Shiro’s TaColby Calhoun eyes a big hole during the Owls 40-7 win over the Warren Warriors Oct. 13, at Owl Stadium.
Examiner photo by Carter Benton Collin Anderson makes a big catch in the Owls 40-7 win over Warren. The win improves Anderson-Shiro to (7-1, 3-1).
Examiner photo by Carter Benton The fighting Owl defense flies to the ball for combined tackle by Mason Kolby, Pierce Goodwin and Kagan Stephens.
ANDERSON - The Anderson Shiro Fighting Owls continued their historic run by shutting down the Warren Warriors 40-7, at Owl Stadium Oct. 13.
The Owls (7-1, 3-1) have a bye this week before an away game against Hemphill Oct. 27.
Connor Daley connected with Pierce Goodwin on a 35-yard touchdown strike to get the Owls out of the nest early in the first quarter, but the conversion failed.
Warren took the lead on an 11-yard touchdown pass and extra point. This was only the second time the Owls have trailed a team this season.
Jarvis Haynes and his blockers put an end to the short-lived Warrior lead. He rumbled in from 10 yards out just before the end of the opening quarter.
Ta’Colton Calhoun took a handoff on a draw up the middle for another rushing touchdown that gave the Owls an 18-7 halftime lead. It took time for the Owls to get it together according to Anderson-Shiro Head Coach Brad Hodges.
“Our guys got off to a slow start,” said Hodges. “It was one step forward, two steps backward in the first half. “We still kept control of the game, but they were frustrated going into halftime.”
Coach Hodges said they challenged their guys at halftime. “We really challenged the guys for that second half to clean it up and play better. They came out and responded in the third and fourth quarters,” he said. “I was very pleased with their effort and composure.”
The Owls took the second half kickoff and methodically marched down the field. The drive culminated in another Haynes rushing touchdown. Daley found an open Jordan Coronado for the conversion to push the Owl lead, 26-7.
Following quick stops and turnovers, Daley and the offense found their groove. The junior quarterback hit Kagan Stephens on a 30-yard wheel route at the 6:12 mark of the third quarter to make the score 32-7.
To end the scoring, 40-7, Daley called his own number and scampered 10 yards. He also ran in the conversion.
With two games remaining in the regular season, the Owls are a win away from tying most wins ever by an Anderson-Shiro football team. They will face a strong Hemphill team in two weeks with a lot on the line. “ When we face Hemphill, we are playing for second place in district, a shot at the playoffs playoff seeding, and to keep our record improving,” Hodges explained. “It is always a tough place to play and there is a lot on the line. They have a great environment over there.”
While the varsity Owls get a breather with the bye, the Owl Junior High football team will be split into two groups for the annual Blue and White game Thursday, Oct. 19, at 4:30 p.m.
Hodges said Coaches Glaspie, Herbert, Weber and Biggs are split up between the teams. Offensive and Defensive Coordinators Jackson and Cowley will be referees, Coach Macik is the clock/scoreboard man, and Hodges is the game’s Commissioner and Announcer.
“Our two teams practice apart this week perfecting their game plans, scheming, and installing secret trick plays,” said Hodges. “Our JV Cheer team will be encouraging our teams on. Coach Couch and her trainers will be there, a lot of fans will show up, and it will be quite the event for our players.”