LAKE WALES, Fla. — The Night Hawks faced a tough matchup against Warner at Tye Athletic Field. Their lone touchdown came from a 20-yard rush in the second quarter. Despite the scoreline, the Night Hawks showcased 127 passing yards, and their defense managed to break up four passes.
The game kicked off with the Night Hawks starting from their 14-yard line.
Destiny Lockett connected with
Mya Richards for a 7-yard gain but struggled with subsequent passes. The drive wrapped up with a quarterback flag pull, forcing a punt.
The Night Hawks' defense stood firm initially, but an interception by Jessica Finley set up a Warner touchdown, with Kathryn Hutchinson finding O'Mariah Gordon late in the quarter. Although Lockett completed a pass to
Sabrina Schlegelmilch, the clock expired with the Night Hawks trailing 13-0.
In the second quarter, Lockett sparked a 16-yard rush to the Night Hawks' 37. She then hit Schlegelmilch for a six-yard gain, pushing into Warner's territory. The drive halted on a fourth-down incompletion, turning possession over to Warner. The Night Hawks capitalized on a defensive stand, forcing a Warner turnover on downs. Lockett then executed a pass for a touchdown, leveling the quarter's score.
The third quarter saw Warner take possession, but the Night Hawks' defense, highlighted by
Azariah Greer's flag pull, quickly halted them. However, the Night Hawks committed a turnover. Warner seized the moment, extending their lead with another Hutchinson pass.
The Night Hawks attempted a comeback with Lockett connecting on a few passes, including a 7-yard gain to Schlegelmilch but were unable to get a first down.
Starting the fourth quarter on their 12-yard line, the Night Hawks faced a setback when Lockett was flagged for a six-yard loss, leading to a punt. Warner advanced to the 6-yard line, but the Night Hawks' defense held strong, forcing a turnover on downs.
The Night Hawks regained possession at their 14-yard line but couldn't build momentum, resulting in another turnover on downs. Warner took advantage, reaching the Night Hawks' 3-yard line, but the defense again stood firm, stopping any scoring.
With seconds left, Lockett's 20-yard rush to the 23-yard line closed the game.
Lockett finished with a touchdown, rushing for 26 yards on seven attempts, and completed 17 passes for 127 yards.
Azariah Greer added to the defense with seven flag pulls.
Dyva Jones tallied six flag pulls and 19 receiving yards on three catches. Schlegelmilch led with 36 receiving yards on five receptions.
Looking forward, the Night Hawks will take on Reinhardt University on Saturday, April 4, at 2 p.m. at home for Senior day in Thomasville, Georgia.
