Hardin-Jefferson Takes Down Tatum In Quick Game

[Robert Galloway, Special to ETSN.fm]

TATUM -- Hardin-Jefferson controlled the clock and managed to hold Tatum at arm's length in a 21-14 victory Friday.

The Hawks (6-0) used a stable of runners led by quarterback Camden Dubois and backs Tanner Jones, Logan Thompson and Luke Thomas.

The night started right enough for the Eagles (2-3) as Denarius Earl fielded the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown.

But Tatum came up short later in the period on a 4th-and-1 at the Hawk 46.

Dubois led Hardin-Jefferson for a 53 yard, four-play drive going to tie the game. The two teams battled from that point to a 7-7 halftime score.

After receiving the second half kickoff, the Hawks marched 74 yards on the ground in 13 plays. Thompson took it the final 16 yards to cap a seven-minute possession.

Tatum fumbled it right back to the Hawks and did not see the ball again until the fourth quarter.

Tatum had less than 40 offensive plays Friday. Hardin-Jefferson only threw one pass.

The Eagles failed to convert a 4th-and-3 from their own 41 yard line midway through the fourth quarter. With just under four minutes to go in the game, Dubois dealt Tatum a fatal blow with a one-yard score.

However, Tatum quarterback J.D. Taylor connected with Deyanta Roberson from six yards out to get back within a possession. Roberson caught an earlier pass for 11 yards and Martin Williams catch and run of 44 yards gave the Eagles a 1st-and-goal.

The Eagles failed to recover the onside kick, however. Hardin-Jefferson was able to milk the remaining time and hang on for the win.