Eagles Turnaround Season Ends With Big Loss

The speed of Hawks quarterback Raamah Vaughn was too much for the Eagles defense as they gave up six touchdowns in the state semifinals and lost 41-7.

Vaughn got the Hawks off to a hot start in the first quarter. He ran for a 43-yard TD on the opening drive, and after the Eagles went three and out, he threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to open up the game 14-0.

"Raamah gives us that extra dimension to run the ball," said Hawks coach Brian Van Deusen. "When we're able to get Raamah going, we're hard to beat."

The Eagles offensive was out of sync on almost every drive as the offensive line had trouble blocking Hawks linebackers Riley Davis and Ryan Higgins.

"We couldn't get a snap off. [The Hawks] seemed a little more experienced. We've never seen that type of defense this year," said Eagles coach Johnny Brooks. "We couldn't get the passing game or running game going. They just outplayed us today."

On a punt attempt in the second quarter, the Eagles fumbled near their own endzone. The Hawks recovered the ball at the 3-yard line, where Vaughn made quick work of it, running in for a touchdown. The extra point was no good, and it was 20-0 at halftime.

Poor tackling hurt the Eagles throughout the game. The Hawks added another touchdown early in the third quarter with an Evan Griffin 35-yard rushing touchdown.

Most of the Eagles offense came on a single play, an 81-yard pass from quarterback Kenny Faulcon to wide receiver Chavez Cheatham. The Eagles then attempted an onside kick, but it was unsuccessful as the ball bounced off the back of an Eagles player.

Vaughn and Griffin each ran for another touchdown before the game ended.

Many of the Eagles players were emotional and a couple of the coaches had to focus on calming down players as the game winded down.

Eagles Athletic Director Tim Lindecamp came on the field to congratulate Brooks on his first year coaching at Aberdeen, turning around last year's 1-9 record to 10-3.

"We're regional champs and had a great season. The players showed a lot of character and should walk with pride," said Brooks. "They set the bar high for the kids next year."