Young Owls Grow in second half

Examiner sports reporter

HEARNE - The Anderson- Shiro Fighting Owls squared off Friday night as heavy underdogs against the athletic Hearne Eagles, falling in a close contest, 21-12. The first half was a war of attrition. The Owls (0-1) and Eagles (1-0) both tried capitalizing on each other’s mistakes. Hearne had the advantage and capitalized on early breakdowns by putting two touchdowns on the fledgling Owls.

Coming out of the half, the Owls trailed the Eagles by 14. Anderson-Shiro Head Coach Brad Hodges stated that he told the team in the locker room to “clean up the small mistakes and play their brand of football.” The Owls followed their coach’s advice and stepped up their play.

Quarterback Jordan Coronado hit an open sophomore, Connor Daley, on a quick slant that he took 40 more yards to the endzone. The Eagles answered on a long pass play to extend their lead 21-6. The Owls kept fighting and junior running back Jarvis Haynes and the offensive line bulldozed the Eagle defense to put six more points on the board. Despite some last second heroics and hard hits from the Owls, that’s how the game would end. Following the game, Hodges said the young Owls have a lot of positives to take from the loss. “You never, ever, want to lose, but losses can sometimes be your best teachers,” he explained. “So far, that game has led to a great Monday practice and some positive, can-do attitudes! Hearne is talented and will go deep into the playoffs. We more than stayed with them. I am proud of these guys. A lot of young guys gained experience and confidence.” Offensively the Owls were led by Coronado who finished with 95 yards passing with a touchdown toss. Daley had 57 yards receiving and a touchdown. He also passed for 15 yards. Haynes led the rushing attack with 87 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, junior Mason Kolby had 11 tackles with two of those being sacks and a forced fumble and recovery. Hodges also cited Kieran Gill, Pierce Goodwin, Travis Anderson, Brant Werner, and Kevin Cabrera for strong play and leadership throughout the game. The road warrior Owls head south to face the Danberry Panthers Friday, Sept. 2. The 3A Div. II Panthers (1-0) are a perennial district and playoff contender with a strong squad this year. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Danberry.