Special teams play critical in final non-district win
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Will Hays (17) celebrates with teammates Garrett Dickey (34), Zach Martin (9), Raider Horn (20), Trey Overcash (6) along with Tristin Cromer (21) and Landon Hebert (45) after Cromer’s return for a touchdown Friday in Springtown. The Steers took down previously undefeated Springtown 35-29. Leader photos by David Flynn
Last Friday’s game in Springtown will be talked about around town for a long time.
The Steers rallied from down 15 points late in the third quarter to hand the Porcupines their first loss of 2018.
“We really grew up in a big way tonight,” said Steers head coach Kenny Davidson following the win. “I remember some double-overtime games against Decatur and some last minute touchdowns against Springtown, but for this team to come out as young as we are and to play this type of caliber team and earn a win is only going to give them a lot of confidence heading into district.”
While the Graham (2-3) offense continues to click and the defense has been dominant two straight second halves, the story of Friday’s win may have been the play of the special teams.
Late in the first half the Steers trailed 15-7 when sophomore linebacker Salvador Mendez scored a 6-yard touchdown off a botched Springtown punt.
The play which will be discussed throughout the area was the heads-up play of senior Will Hays. The Porcupines lined up for a potential game-ending field goal with 30 seconds remaining in the final quarter when the senior defensive lineman broke through right side of the line and blocked the kick. With a defender closing in, Hays wisely pitched to sophomore Tristin Cromer at the 50-yard line who raced the remaining distance for w...
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