Runningback Qua Hines and the Callaway Cavaliers are heading to the Class AA semifinals after a tough 35-20 win over the Washington County Warhawks. Hines three rushing touchdowns in the second half helped the Cavaliers pull away from a pesky Golden Warhawks team.
It was a cold and misty Friday evening at Callaway Stadium but that did not affect neither team and their play. The Golden Hawks knew if they needed a victory, they needed to contain Cortavious “Tank” Bigsby and force the Cavaliers to use other offensive weapons. For the Cavaliers, their keys to victory were to stop a physical Golden Warhawks running game starring Dyquan Bloodsaw.
The first quarter was scoreless as both teams defenses proved to halt their opposing teams offense.
However, the second quarter proved to be different as both teams found the endzone twice. The Cavaliers scored first as quarterback Demetrius Coleman connected with Markus Morman to lead by seven.
Bloodshaw and the Golden Hawks responded on their next drive with a two yard rushing touchdown by Bloodshaw to tie the game at seven.
Coleman and the Cavaliers were determined to not be outdone as they answered with a 60-yard touchdown pass from Coleman to Jacob Freeman, regaining their lead by seven.
Bloodsaw and the Golden Hawks was not done either as he found the endzone on their ensuing possession from two yards to tie the game at 14.
Both teams went into halftime tied at 14 with the Cavaliers receiving to start the second half.
The third quarter got off to another slow start for both teams as their offenses went three and out twice. Fans were anxious about their teams play as everybody wondered who would strike first in the second half.
The Cavaliers third offensive drive proved to be the beginning of Hines great offensive performance rushing for 42 yards to lead 20-14 with four minutes to go in the third quarter.
A successful onside kick shifted all momentum to the Cavaliers giving the offense possession and time to go into the fourth quarter.
Going into the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers offense managed to get to the Golden Hawks two yard line. Hines finished the drive with a two yard rushing touchdown to give the Cavaliers a 28-14 lead.
It was early in the fourth quarter and the game was still in doubt as the Golden Warhawks needed to respond. After a long offensive drive, the Cavaliers defense prevailed causing a turnover on downs.
The crowd was sensing and celebrating a Cavaliers victory as all they needed was a first down to put the game on ice and celebrate their victory. Unfortunately, It was not that easy or simple, as the Golden Warhawks defense forced and recovered a fumble by Bigsby to get a chance at a late comeback to tie the game.
Bloodsaw and the Golden Warhawks needed less than two minutes to find the endzone to cut the Cavaliers lead to eight.
Cavaliers fans were anxious as they sensed pressure from their offense to gain a first down to cement the game. This time there was no need to worry as Hines proved to be too much for the defense, this time breaking tackles and rushing in from 37 yards to give the Cavaliers the 35-20 victory.
“I thought that this was a team effort. Our kids could of hung their head but we went into an emotional halftime, made a few defensive adjustments, tackled and played better,” said Cavaliers coach Pete Wiggins.
“The offensive line came out, dominated and executed to help us score and play better,” said Hines when asked about his credit to his offensive performance.
The Cavaliers will go on the road to face the Rockmart Yellow Jackets Friday, November 30, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. The winner will play the winner of the Heard County and Fitzgerald game for the Class AA state championship on December 8.
