Two third quarter touchdowns proved too much for the Vikings to overcome as they fell on the road to the Hawkinsville Red Devils 22 – 19 Friday night at Bobby Gentry Stadium in Hawkinsville. The last time a Soperton team defeated the Red Devils in football was against Gentry himself back in 1961.
The Vikings took the opening kickoff and drove 70 yards to take an early lead when Viking quarterback Jordan Coney hit wide receiver Kolby McLendon on a 12 yard pass for a touchdown with 7:19 remaining in the first quarter. The PAT was no good and Treutlen led 6 – 0.
Hawkinsville answered with their first possession of the night as they drove 58 yards to tie the game when quarterback Chase Reese ran it in from 5 yards out. The Red Devil two point conversion was unsuccessful and the game was tied at 6 with 2:35 left in the first quarter.
The Vikings regained the lead with 5:00 remaining before halftime when Jordan Daniels scooped up a fumble on a punt attempt by Hawkinsville and scampered 8 yards for a touchdown. The Vikings two point conversion attempt was unsuccessful and Treutlen led 12 – 6 going into halftime.
The Vikings kicked off to start the second half. The line drive kick into the defensive front of the Red Devils was caught and returned to the Viking 11 yard line. Three plays later, Red Devil running back Darshon Polhill ran it in on the left side from 3 yards out to give Hawkinsville the lead. The two point conversion was good and the Red Devils led 14 – 12 just 1:20 seconds into the third quarter.
Treutlen threw an interception on their next possession giving the Red Devils good field position at the Viking 45 yard line. Hawkinsville took advantage and scored with 7:16 remaining in the third quarter when Red Devil running back Peebo Wright ran it in from 16 yards out. Polhill ran in the two point conversion as well to give Hawkinsville a 22 – 19 lead.
The Viking defense held Hawkinsville in check the remainder of the night and cut into the Red Devil lead when they drove 75 yards, scoring on a 16 yard pass from Coney to wide receiver Tim Blair with 4:28 left in the game. Kicker Danny Clements split the uprights with the PAT and Treutlen trailed by three points, 22 – 19.
Hawkinsville converted on several crucial third down situations to run out the remaining clock and Treutlen fell 22 – 19.
Treutlen will close out their season Friday night at Bobby Driggers Stadium as they host the Wilcox County Patriots with kickoff set at 7:30. Hear the game on Sweet Onion Country 101.7 FM and online at www.southeastgeorgiatoday.com with Jeff Raiford and Nathan Lamb.
