Hawks battle to overtime win on the road against Eagles
Matt Harris
Staff writer
9-8-2016
SPANISH FORK—North Sanpete showed their grit and determination last Friday in a highly defensive battle against the Maple Mountain Golden Eagles, winning in overtime, 15-12, on the effort of an unlikely hero.
The Hawks scored first when Kelton Christenson made a 33-yard field goal to put them up three points. Later on in the first, Hawk quarterback Spencer Steadman took a big hit after an incomplete pass and was taken out of the game.
Steadman was replaced by sophomore quarterback Chance Clawson after being removed.
The second and third quarters were all Maple Mountain, who answered the field goal with a 41-yard field goal of their own from senior kicker Taggart Durrant.
The Golden Eagles then took the tie in the third with an impressive touchdown dive from running back Harrison Casper, but the after point was missed, keeping the score within the Hawks’ reach.
Relying heavily on the running game with a backup as quarterback, the Hawks persevered and senior Waylon Atkinson ran in a touchdown from 11 yards out on the last play of the third quarter.
After a scoreless fourth quarter, it went to overtime. The Golden Eagles were first on the board when Taggart delivered for them on a 31-yard field goal.
The Hawks had the final word, however, when a long run by Atkinson brought the Hawks all the way to the 1-yard line. Two plays later, Clawson made it across the 1-yard stretch, scoring to give the Hawks the victory.
Despite the winning score, Clawson otherwise had a rough night, going 0 for 5 passing and losing 23 yards worth of sacks.
The Hawks are slated to play their rival, the Delta Rabbits, on home turf, Sept. 16.
