2nd season shutout has ‘confident’ Hawks 3-0
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With the team’s best varrsity football start to a season in several years, it’s no wonder Hardin Valley Academy players leap high to celebrate. That was the case after senior Brady Hogrefe (13) hauled in an 11-yard TD pass from senior quarterback Caleb Standifer (8) versus Cocke County Friday evening, Sept. 1, at HVA, as Hawks junior offensive lineman Evan Clarke (56) watches. - Photos courtesy of Jeremy Wiggs/ Jeremy Wiggs Photography
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Senior running back Brady Loveland uses a stiff-arm to avoid tacklers en route to a nice gain in a 51-0 win. - Photos courtesy of Jeremy Wiggs/ Jeremy Wiggs Photography
HARDIN VALLEY — Playing with confidence and recoding a 30-point second quarter, Hardin Valley Academy crushed Cocke County 51-0 at HVA Friday, Sept. 1, giving the Hawks (3-0) their second home shutout this season.
“They’re learning how to win, and they’re learning how to deal with adversity,” Hardin Valley head coach Jeff Miner said. “We believe that even when something negative happens, we can come back from it.”
Senior quarterback Caleb Standifer scored on a pair of short rushing touchdowns, while Hardin Valley senior running back Brady Loveland rushed nine times for 95 yards and a TD. Junior Grady Estep also had a rushing score.
Brady Hogrefe, another Hawks senior running back, hauled in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Standifer.
Defensively, junior linebacker Kaden Cutcher returned an interception for a touchdown, while senior defensive lineman Andrew Beeler recovered a fumble and returned the prize for six points. The other Hawks points came on a second-quarter safety.
Senior defensive linema Christian Cerchia and junior linebacker Nathan Holbrook each led the Hawks in total tackles.
“I’m proud of the culture that’s been created,” Miner said. “I’m proud of the effort our kids are giving, I’m proud of the way they work at practice. ... And I’m proud of the way they’re handling success.
“They’re geting a taste of winning,” he added. “It’s been good for me to see all those guys happy.”
Unbeaten Halls next
It will be a battle of unbeatens Friday, Sept. 8, as Hardin Valley travels to Halls (3-0) to face the Red Devils. Opening kickoff for this clash in North Knoxville is 7 p.m., as HVA looks to improve upon its best season start in several years.
