Pleasant Grove Forces Eight Turnovers In 35-14 Victory Against Quinlan Ford

[By Tony Kirk, Special to ETSN.fm]

QUINLAN -- Eight turnovers spelled doom for the Quinlan Ford Panthers. They fell to the Pleasant Grove Hawks 35-14 at Lytal stadium in Quinlan.

The Hawks fumbled away the opening kickoff. It allowed the Panthers to jump out to an early lead with Zach Claire scoring on run from two yards out with 10:03 remaining in the first quarter.

Ford quarterback Jacob Smith evened up the score three minutes later on a 60-yard run.

Both teams traded turnovers afterward, but Pleasant Grove was able to take a lead with 5:22 left in the half on a one-yard Keyshawn Jones plunge. Smith’s 25-yard pass to DeVuntay Walker set up the score.

A 12-yard John Solis touchdown run allowed Ford (0-4) to tie the game at 14-14 with 42 seconds left in the half. Pleasant Grove’s 40-yard Hail Mary completion from Smith to Connor Lemmerhirt was one-yard short of pay dirt to end the half.

Second half scoring came on big plays for Pleasant Grove.

Smith recovered a fumble for a 33-yard scoop-and-score to break the tie 3:30 into the second half.

Stingy defense and multiple turnovers kept it 21-14 in Pleasant Grove's favor until Walker broke off an 85-yard touchdown run around right end with 5:55 to play.

Sophomore Bobby Cooks capped off the Hawks' night with a 37-yard fumble recovery score.

Quinlan Ford lost five fumbles and two interceptions Friday.  The Hawks gave up four fumbles.

The Panthers will take on Nevada Community next week. Pleasant Grove will hit the road again for a meeting against Jefferson.

DeVuntay Walker led all ball carriers with 140 yards on 11 carries for PG.

Pleasant Grove goes to three and one on the season while Quinlan Ford remains winless.  The Hawks return to action next week when they travel to Jefferson to take on the Bulldogs.