Hawks roll over Rams 24-6 in season opener

August 15, 2018 by Richard Evans

The Clinton Middle School Hawks dominated the visiting Robertsville Rams in a 24-6 on Saturday.

The Hawks opened the game with a promising drive that moved the ball from their own 25-yard yard line to inside the Robertsville 30-yard line thanks largely to a 31-yard run by Andrew Meier. The drive ended when what appeared to be an incomplete shovel pass was ruled a fumble recovered by the Rams.

The Clinton defense held and forced a quick three and out.

Following the punt, the Hawks’ offense went back to work from their own 42-yard line.

Meier ran for eight yards to bring up second and two. Quarterback Ethan Tinker completed a 12-yard pass but Robertsville defensive back Jayden Williams literally ripped the ball from the arms of the receiver and raced 56 yards for the score.

The two-point conversion attempt failed but the Rams staked a 6-0 lead with 3:03 remaining in the first quarter.

Clinton took over on its own 42-yard line following the ensuing kick-off. From there they put together a 10-play drive, 58-yard drive which leaned heavily on runs by Meier, Dawson Woodard, Javon Rodd, and Mason Hopper.

Meier scored the tying touchdown from four yards out.

Hopper pushed his way into the end zone over a Robertsville defender to get the two-point conversion and give the Hawks an 8-6 lead with 7:08 remaining in the first half.

After each team exchanged possessions, the Hawks took the ball at the Rams’ 37-yard line. Tinker connected with Brandon Beacham for a 33-yard gain to bring up a first and goal at the four-yard line. Woodard then plowed into the end zone for the touchdown.

Tinker then completed a pass to Meier for the two-point conversion to give Clinton a 16-6 lead with 22.9 left in the first half.

On the first play of the next possession, Parker Hannah recovered a fumble in mid-air when the shotgun snap ricocheted off of the quarterback’s shoulder pad.

With just 16.6 seconds left in the half, the Hawks appeared poised to make a serious run at another score but time elapsed and they took a 16-6 into halftime.

The second half was almost a mirror of the first half as the Hawks’ defense clamped down even tighter.

Following a Robertsville turnover, the Hawks set up shop on the Rams’ 15-yard line. Two plays later, Rodd scored on an eight-yard run.

Tycen Tucker ran in the two-point conversion to cap all scoring for the day and give Clinton a 24-6 lead with 5:40 remaining in the third quarter.

From that point forward, the story of the game was the defense of the Hawks as they shut down the Rams. The defense was so dominant they held Robertsville to -36 yards total offense for the game.

Meier led Clinton with 156 yards rushing and one touchdown on 17 carries.

Tinker finished the game 5-10 passing for 63 yards.

Teegin Bolinger had two receptions for 21 yards and Beacham had one grab for 33 yards.

Rodd led the team with four total tackles while Chase Glandon had a quarterback sack.

The game was originally scheduled for last Thursday, but like several area middle school games it was rescheduled.

The Hawks (2-0) will host Concord Christian on Thursday at 7 p.m., wrapping up a three-game home stand.

RMS CMS

First downs 2 14

Rushing yds. -30 224

Passing yds. -6 63

Total yds. -36 287

Comp./att./int. 1-6-0 5-10-1

Turnovers 3 5

Penalties 2-12 6-36

Time of poss. 13:30 18:27