Royals break into win column with shutout of Hawkinsville.

From BleckleyProgress.com

High School Sports
Royals break into win column with shutout of Hawkinsville.
By Dave Whitaker
Aug 29, 2015, 01:49

A woman examines a spirit shirt at the cheerleading table set up outside the field.

The Royals didn't lack for motivation as they took the field for Friday's home opener versus Hawkinsville. Not only did they want to play better after last week's loss to Dodge, the worst since 2007, Bleckley lost to the Red Devils 41-7 last year.

Players are fired up as they emerge through the smoke.

Bleckley's opening drive got an early boost as Cody Evans connected with Devante Mahogeny on a 53-yard reception. From the Red Devil five, LaDarrick Vickers scored with 5:16 left and it was 7-0. The ensuing kickoff was fumbled and recovered by BC on Hawkinsville's 25. But the drive stalled on fourth and two from the 17.

Devante Mahogeny tries to shake a Red Devil defender.

In the second, Bleckley drove to the Red Devil 11 but missed a 28-yard field goal. Late in the half, Hawkinsville's punter dropped the ball. It was recovered on their 39 but with just eight seconds left. So the lead remained 7-0 as teams left the field.

The student section cheered on Bleckley all night.

Damien Farrow kept the opening second half drive alive by converting a fourth and five from the Red Devil 48. The drive though stalled on their 37. The Royal defense came up big on Hawkinsville's next drive, stopping them on fourth and one from the BC 39. Vickers would come up big on what proved to be the game clinching touchdown.

Eddie Blash brings down a Red Devil player.

He converted a fourth and six from the Red Devil 24. With 10:19 left in the game, an Evans quarterback sneak made it 13-0. The point after was blocked. Bleckley's defense rose up again on the next possession, stopping Hawkinsville on fourth and 14 from the Royal 34.

The Royal Kingsmen Band debuted their new uniforms Friday. This year's halftime show is entitled "Vintage Vinyl" and features songs from Styxx and ZZ Top.

Bleckley's offense was held, and Hawkinsville blocked the punt. They converted a fourth and nine from the 39. Backed up due to penalites, it was third and 24 from the 44. Hawkinsville got it to the 20 but on fourth and five, Kevonn Farrow intercepted the ball. Though a block in the back neutralized the return, BCHS got into the win column 13-0.

Logan Pittman and Kevontez Farrow team up on a tackle.

Offensively the ground game had 133 yards. Vickers had 75 of them on 20 carries. Farrow had 29 second half yards, 36 for the game. Evans was 4 of 8 for 136 yards through the air. Hawkinsville was held to 125 total yards including 76 on the ground.

Demarcus Smith wraps up a Hawkinsville player.

Nick Lassiter was back Friday but there was other bad injury news. Desmond Sasser will be undergoing knee surgery Wednesday. He suffered extensive damage last week including a torn ACL and MCL. Garrett Grizzard suffered what was prelimnarily diagnosed as a broken collarbone.

This interception by Kevonn Farrow helped seal the win.