Pennington School Game Report

Sunday, September 28 at Pennington School (1:00 P.M.)

    As is always the case, Hackley began the game in competitive fashion. The Hornet offense was able to drive down to the Pennington 8 yard line, but was denied the score when the Pennington defense stiffened deep in the red-zone. Down 7-0 in the second quarter, the Hackley offense fumbled at their own 25-yard line, but as it has done so many times this season, the defense rose to the occasion and kept the Hornets in the game by causing a fumble on their own goal line. They recovered in their end zone and the offense started at the 20. Throwing into the wind was not going to be easy, and the Pennington defense knew this. Their defensive backs played soft, and watched the quarterback in effort to play the ball, not the man. This strategy was very successful, as they manufactured key interceptions, and effectively kept the Hornets' offense off balance all afternoon. It also was a double-edged sword, because it kept the Hornet defense on the field. Under the added burden, the defense tired and Pennington was able to add three more scores to put the game away.

    The coaching staff is striving to have the team play the last three quarters as competitively as they have the first. We haven't been getting the lead, so the opportunity to play ball control hasn't really presented itself. Not having the lead takes away a lot of options, and playing catch-up is difficult for an experienced team, which we simply are not yet. We're gaining the experience now, but are going through some growing pains to do it. The defense has predominantly played well, but has been victimized by some well-designed big plays. The offense has been taken out of its rhythm by being forced into the passing game, where our lack of experience and size up front is a hindrance.

    The team’s attitude is clear; we’re going to Coxsackie-Athens to get our first win. I'll be there when they do, and be assured, it will make a great anniversary gift. Love U Angela!             Go Hackley!

Corrections: Last week's News Letter had QB Brandon Stoller listed as a sophomore. His Jersey # is 10, not his grade. Brandon is a junior, Grade 11. Sorry Brandon.

Prior News Letters had Doug Sawyer listed as Trainer. Doug is a Certified Athletic Trainer. Sorry Doug.

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