On Friday, Aug. 29, McIntosh hosted its first home football game of the season against Hillgrove High School. It was a tough game for the Chiefs, as four players were injured throughout the game. Prepared for a comeback, the Chiefs were ready for their first home game after the recent loss to Sandy Creek.
In a pre-game interview, Head Coach Derek Smith had one demand for the team.
“If we don’t bring our A game, we’ll walk away with an L,” Smith said.
The Chiefs spent the week preparing as they knew this game wouldn’t be an easy one. Last year they fell l to the Hawks 0-38.
“What we have [is] a very talented defensive linemen that work together. There’s four or five of them. In fact, a couple of sophomores are talented too. So they push those juniors and seniors to play even harder. We also have an offensive line that doesn’t ask for anything other than recognition. They don’t go out there with this mindset that I need to be a superstar they go out with a mindset that they’re going to work hard and practice every day,” Smith said in a pregame interview.
The Hawks scored early in the first quarter on a 19-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful extra point kick, putting the Hawks ahead 7-0.
Hillgrove’s defense applied consistent pressure on McIntosh, resulting in punts and sacks, while their offense effectively moved the ball downfield.
In the second quarter, Hawks quarterback Donovan Mack connected with senior Wide Receiver Sidney Montgomery on a 21-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 14-0, earning the extra point.
Hillgrove capitalized on penalties and field position to score again on a 5-yard run by Zion Williams, bringing the halftime score to 21-0.
Hillgrove continued to add points in the third quarter with a touchdown pass from junior Quarterback, Jabari Green to Montgomery, increasing their lead to 28-0. McIntosh intercepted a pass late in the quarter, but Hillgrove maintained control throughout the fourth quarter, adding a final touchdown on a 26-yard pass from Green to Wooten.
McIntosh’s defense made several stops and recovered fumbles late in the game. Hillgrove’s offense and defense combined to secure a 35-0 win.
“We could’ve done everything better, poor execution, poor play. Nobody on offense could execute properly. We went out there and played as if they were the better team and we were supposed to lose,” Smith said.
The Chiefs will play at Lovejoy High School next week on Friday, Sept.19, at 7:30 P.M.
