0
0
The stage was set for a memorable night at Green Hill as the Hawks hosted Mt. Juliet with the Region 4-6A title on the line.
Rain pounded the turf in the hours leading up to the game between two undefeated crosstown rivals. A director in Hollywood couldn’t have drawn up a better script for the night.
Just like it would in a movie, the game ultimately came down to the final drive as well.
Green Hill got the all-important stop holding on for the 12-10 win and more importantly, the top spot in Region 4-6A.
“This game says something about our coaches and kids,” Green Hill coach Josh Crouch said after getting drenched with two buckets of water. “Our defensive staff did a phenomenal job. That team had been averaging 40-45 point a game led by a great senior quarterback and other seniors on that side of the ball but I thought we did a great job holding them in check.
…when the water dumped on me, that’s when it became real. Having our second region title in four years of eligibility, that’s something I hope the community and kids talk about for the rest of their lives.”
The end of the first half saw the Hawks take a three-point lead into the break. Green Hill (10-0, 6-0) kicked and recovered an onside kick to start the second half and immediately turned that surprise into points.
Mt. Juliet (9-1, 5-1) trailed 12-3 late in the third quarter before Tyler Travers connected with Atticus Fiorita for a touchdown with 2:26 to go in the quarter. From there, it became a game of which defense would win the night.
Defense rules on an ugly night
Green Hill’s defense landed the first punch in the fourth quarter.
With Mt. Juliet driving deep into Green Hill territory, Golden Bears running back Jon’Mikael Crudup was tackled and sat on top of a defender. The play wasn’t called dead as Crudup wasn’t down and Luka Nash had the head’s up play to knock it loose.
Green Hill recovered and was able to knock even more time off of the clock.
Mt. Juliet’s defense would not be outdone. The Golden Bears forced Green Hill into a fourth and short situation with just over two minutes remaining. They would get the stop on the 48 and one final chance to complete the comeback win.
Just like they had done all night though, the Hawks’ defense didn’t buckle. Mt. Juliet was pushed back and fourth down pass attempt in Green Hill territory fell incomplete and the party was on.
“Our defense was absolutely outstanding tonight,” Green Hill quarterback Kannon Burroughs said. “The offense could have done a little better but we came out with the win and that’s really all that matters.”
