By Staff
Jimmy George, Enquirer Correspondent
DOUBLE SPRINGS – How important can a kicker be at a small school?
Just ask Danville head coach Joey Burch and kicker Jak Clairday.
Clairday hit a 24-yard field goal midway through the third quarter, and added another late in the same frame, as the Hawks beat Winston County 17-14 last Friday night.
"We've come a long way," Burch said. "We've lost a couple of times when I really thought we could have won. (Last Friday night) we finally overcame some mistakes and won."
Jeremy Orr stole the show, rushing 27 times for 172 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown jaunt in the first quarter.
However, on the ensuing kickoff, Winston County's Tyler Tucker went 85 yards for a score. The extra point was missed, so Danville (2-4, 1-3) still held on to the slimmest of margin.
Clairday's field goal in the third made the score 10-6, and the Hawks defense scored the game-winning touchdown just minutes later.
Tyree Murphy, a sophomore wide receiver/cornerback, picked up a fumble and raced 44 yards for a touchdown.
The Yellow Jackets added a score late in the contest. Quarterback Jon Blanton hit Tucker for a three-yard touchdown pass.
The two-point conversion was good, but the Hawks were able to run out the clock for a win.
"Overall, we're still pretty young and still learning how to win," Burch said. "I'm really proud of our seniors, though. We don't have that many, but they are stepping up and showing some good leadership.
"We're getting there, one week at a time."
Danville hosts another region foe – Phil Campbell – Friday night.