Hyattsville (MD) vs. Winston-Salem (NC)

‘HYATTSVILLE HAWKS PULL OUT LAST MINUTE VICTORY'

Defensive struggle would be appropriate words used to describe the first three quarters of this Division I Semi-final match-up between the Winston-Salem Indians and the Hyattsville Hawks. Knotted at 6-6 headed into the 4 th quarter, the Indians faced a third and one at the Hawks 17 yard line. Calling a dive play up the middle, the offensive line opened up a gapping hole, allowing a 5 yard pick up. This set up 1 st and goal at the 7.

After two unsuccessful running plays, the Indians faced third and goal from the 10. They decided to change pace and go for the pass, finding an opening in the flat. After receiving the pass at the 5 yard line, the Indian wide out made some nifty moves, carrying two defenders as he crossed the goal line. The PAT was not successful; however, so with 8:00 minutes left in the game the Indians led 12-6.

Following the ensuing kickoff, the Hawks took over at their 46 yard line. They crossed the 50 on a beautiful ten yard sweep around the right side. On the following play, the Hawks took advantage of the Indians aggressive pursuit of the previous sweep, faking a sweep left and running around the right side for 25 yards. This set up a first and ten at the Indians 14.

The Indians defense stiffened; however, and forced a 4 th and 6 at their own 9. The Indians held tough on the ensuing play and knocked down the fourth down pass with only 3:55 remaining in the game.

The Indians now had the ball, but they found themselves deep in their own territory. The question became, would they be able to get out. The answer came soon enough. The Hawks defense held tough on the first two plays of the possession and called time out with 2:21 remaining. The Indians now faced third and ten from their own 9 yard line. They went to the air, but the Hawks played it perfectly and forced an incomplete pass. The Indians now faced a crucial 4 th and 10 and the associated critical decision.

Making a good tactical decision, the Indians coach decided to put the game in the hands of his defense, and instructed his quarterback to take a safety; making the score 12-8 Indians. Unfortunately for the Indians, the execution did not turn out as well as the plan.

The Indians set up for the free kick at their twenty and proceeded to kick the ball out of bounds. They then rekicked from their 15, but a delay of game penalty set them back another 5 yards and suddenly they were on their own 10.

They would get the kick off; however, and, in fact, launched it to their 45. The challenge was now clearly laid out for the Hawks; score 1 touchdown in the final 2:03 and advance. Although the challenge seemed daunting, the Hawks kept their cool and struck quickly. Handing off to the right side, the Hawks offensive line opened a gapping hole and their tail back took advantage, sprinting down to the Indians three yard line before a superb Hawk tackle saved the touchdown.

The Indians suddenly found themselves defending against a first and goal from their own three yard line. It didn't take the Hawks long to capitalize; however, and they would take the lead on a power run up the middle. Converting on the PAT, they went ahead 15-12 with 1:42 left in the game.

The Indians now had one last chance for the come from behind victory. The chance faded quickly; however, as two plays into the next drive the Hawks sealed the victory with a game ending interception.