Athletic Highlights - September 6, 2024
Varsity Football Makes Progress vs. JP II
The Harding Varsity football team took positive steps forward in its second game of the season, but still came up short against JP II. The Hawks showed resilience with a scoring drive late in the 4th quarter, but ultimately fell 22-12.
After an opening game loss to BGA, where the heat greatly impacted a Harding team with many starters going both ways and playing all special teams, the Hawks battled against JP II and were only down 7-6 at halftime. Riley Bundren '25 took a kickoff the distance for Harding's first score. JP II's quick passing game was effective throughout the game as they tacked on two more scores in the second half. Bundren again found the endzone on a sweep play late in the 4th quarter.
Harding looks to rebound next week against Ezell-Harding on Thursday, September 12 in what will be the third game in a row on the road. Go Hawks!!
6th Grade Football Loses a Close One on the Road
The 6th grade Hawks football team traveled to Hendersonville to face this week's opponent Pope Prep. With a 5pm kick off, the Hawks took the field and were ready to rumble; starting with a great kick return by James Thomas (HA) to give the Hawk solid field position. While able to move the ball on the ground and air, we were unable to capitalize and the drive stalled out. The Hawk defense took center stage most of the evening with Charlie Wells (HA) and Nash Donahue (HA) living in the Knights backfield the entire night. The Hawks were able to get their offense in gear in the 2nd quarter and QB, Bennett Khazanov (USN) connected on a goaline pass to Nash Donahue, to put the Hawks up 6-0 going into halftime. Late in the 3rd quarter, Pope Prep was able to put together a drive of their own against the Hawks defense and popped a long run to provide them with the tying touchdown. They capped the scoring drive with a 2 pt conversion to end the quarter. The fourth quarter was a strategic battle as JP II looked to run the ball and try and run the clock. The Hawks were able to get some key stops and recovered a pressure fumble late in the fourth to give the Hawks some life. Khazanov connected with Rex Waddey (HA) on a 4th and long to give the Hawks a 1st down. Opportunities were in small order and the final on the final 4th and long the Hawks were unable to come up with the key catch to keep the drive alive as JP II came up with a drive stopping interception. The Hawks lost the game 6-8 at the final horn. The coaching staff is really proud of the growth the team has shown and can see the effort and work in practice is paying off on game days. Our next game will be Thursday, September 12th vs St Rose of Lima in Murfreesboro.
Back
The Harding Varsity football team took positive steps forward in its second game of the season, but still came up short against JP II. The Hawks showed resilience with a scoring drive late in the 4th quarter, but ultimately fell 22-12.
After an opening game loss to BGA, where the heat greatly impacted a Harding team with many starters going both ways and playing all special teams, the Hawks battled against JP II and were only down 7-6 at halftime. Riley Bundren '25 took a kickoff the distance for Harding's first score. JP II's quick passing game was effective throughout the game as they tacked on two more scores in the second half. Bundren again found the endzone on a sweep play late in the 4th quarter.
Harding looks to rebound next week against Ezell-Harding on Thursday, September 12 in what will be the third game in a row on the road. Go Hawks!!
6th Grade Football Loses a Close One on the Road
The 6th grade Hawks football team traveled to Hendersonville to face this week's opponent Pope Prep. With a 5pm kick off, the Hawks took the field and were ready to rumble; starting with a great kick return by James Thomas (HA) to give the Hawk solid field position. While able to move the ball on the ground and air, we were unable to capitalize and the drive stalled out. The Hawk defense took center stage most of the evening with Charlie Wells (HA) and Nash Donahue (HA) living in the Knights backfield the entire night. The Hawks were able to get their offense in gear in the 2nd quarter and QB, Bennett Khazanov (USN) connected on a goaline pass to Nash Donahue, to put the Hawks up 6-0 going into halftime. Late in the 3rd quarter, Pope Prep was able to put together a drive of their own against the Hawks defense and popped a long run to provide them with the tying touchdown. They capped the scoring drive with a 2 pt conversion to end the quarter. The fourth quarter was a strategic battle as JP II looked to run the ball and try and run the clock. The Hawks were able to get some key stops and recovered a pressure fumble late in the fourth to give the Hawks some life. Khazanov connected with Rex Waddey (HA) on a 4th and long to give the Hawks a 1st down. Opportunities were in small order and the final on the final 4th and long the Hawks were unable to come up with the key catch to keep the drive alive as JP II came up with a drive stopping interception. The Hawks lost the game 6-8 at the final horn. The coaching staff is really proud of the growth the team has shown and can see the effort and work in practice is paying off on game days. Our next game will be Thursday, September 12th vs St Rose of Lima in Murfreesboro.
Inspiring The Mind • Nurturing The Spirit