Hawks inch closer to playoff berth

Tyler Lowey
Times Reporter

 

It might be wise to add Holy Cross Collegiate Hawks running back Jayden Hendricks for this weekend’s Fan Duel daily fantasy football matchups.
The Hawks handled the Our Lady of Mount Pleasant Royals 48-43 during Alberta 6 Man Football League action Oct. 21 at a blustery Holy Cross Collegiate (HCC) field.
Ernie Neevers rushed for six touchdowns with the Chicago Cardinals Nov. 28, 1929, in a 40-6 win over the Chicago Bears, setting the NFL single-game rushing touchdown record. Neevers now bows down to Hendricks, who blasted that record away with eight trips to pay dirt.
Hawks cornerback Jordan Kobsar was frank when discussing his teammate’s performance: “He was great.”
Hendricks saved his best game for the Hawks most important game to date. With their season winding down, the Hawks are in must-win mode as they try to make it into the B playoffs.
At 1-4, the Hawks and Royals entered the game tied for the sixth and final playoff spot.
“We were confident heading into the game,” said Kobsar. “We prepared all week, worked on our assignments and went into the game with a positive mindset.”
“I knew this was going to be a close game,” said Hawks head coach Michael Annicchiarico. “I wasn’t really happy with our defensive effort in the first half. We lacked execution or any pressure on their quarterback.
“I have to give my guys credit, they really stepped up in the second half and forced a couple turnovers that we have been missing this year.”
While Hendricks was running rampant, the Hawks were having trouble stopping the Royals on the other end of the ball. For every Hendricks touchdown run, the Royals would respond.
Up 42-36 halfway through the fourth quarter, Kobsar stripped the ball from the Royals running back. Then one final 46-yard touchdown run from Hendricks to put the Hawks up 12. On the Royals next trip down the field, Kobsar was flagged for pass interference in the Hawks zone. It felt like the type of penalty that was going to breathe life into another Royals’ TD drive.
Two plays later, Kobsar dove for the interception, icing the Royals.
“I just waited for the play to develop, I saw the ball and made a play for it,” said Kobsar. “I wanted to redeem myself for that penalty.”
It’s the same scenario this week for the Hawks: win and they are in. They host the Provost Panthers Oct. 28 at HCC field. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.