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The Hawks (3-2) strapped up their helmets and made the field for what was going to be the game of the year against #9 Glacier Peak Grizzles (4-1)! Both teams came out ready to leave everything on the field and they did.

The first quarter was a defensive show that featured field position and hard hitting action that left the quarter tied 0 – 0.

In the second quarter the Grizzlies drew first blood by capping off a drive that led to a 1 yard TD by RB Hunter Lundstrom. PAT was blocked giving the Grizzles a 6 – 0 lead. The Hawks responded quickly with freshman sensation Devante Downs on an 8 yard off motion TD, PAT good giving the Hawks a TD and a 6-7 lead.

The Grizzles had no answer for the impactful Senior Middle linebacker of Mitch Haldane’s 12 solo tackles and the 245 lb defensive end play of Julian Snow’s smash mount defensive approach. The Hawks again gave the grizzlies a heavy dose of freshman Downs, driving the ball down to the Grizzles red zone. Rook found an open Zack Karels off a deflected pass and an 18 yard TD and the lead. PAT good.

It was more of the same spread offense when the Grizzles found Luke Kaestner on a 5 yard TD scamper with a good 2 point conversion, 14-14 at the half.

Both teams came out ready to battle in the second half with the Grizzlies spreading the ball around and capitalizing on Hawk missed tackles. Quarterback Kevin Campbell found Tanner Southard on a 58 yard TD strike and missed PAT giving the Griz an early second half lead 20-14. This game was setting up to be a last man standing game and it seemed who ever had the ball last could take the victory.

The Hawks were far from ready to give this game away when they found the end zone again with a 2 yard Downs TD and Missed PAT, 20-20.

The Hawks Rook threw an interception that gave the Grizzlies great field position. Moments later Grizzlies Quarterback Kevin Campbell found Tanner Southard again on a 22 yard TD pass with great defensive coverage by Martinez Johnson. PAT good, 27–20 with 3:09 left in the third quarter.

The Grizzlies held strong holding the Hawks on two consecutive drives. This time it was Quarterback Kevin Campbell finding Collin Park on a 13 yard TD. 34- 20.

An unsuccessful on side kick gave the Grizzlies another opportunity with great field position. The Grizzles kept their foot on the gas by hitting a 32 yard field goal with 6:52 to go, 37-20.

Another missed on-side attempt gave the grizzlies the ball however the Hawks defense rose up and gave the Hawks offense another chance when Downs found the end zone again on an 8 yard run TD and converted 2 point PAT with 4:32 left in the game.

The Hawks Defense stepped up with a no quit attitude and hit the Grizzles hard again. The momentum changed when the Grizzlies drove down the field to the three yard line where a missed snap turned into a Zack Karels 98 yard fumble recovery TD and made PAT making it 37 – 35 with 4:32 left in the game.

It was four pass attempts and a close missed fourth down play from Rook to Karels from the Hawks 49 that sealed the game. It was a 37-35 Grizzlies victory in an epic battle of two teams that left everything on the field.

Next week the Hawks (3-3) travel to Shorewood (2-4).