Paul Wilson
Special to the Enquirer

The Danville defense came up big in a 22-19 region win over Good Hope last Friday night at Smith-Owens Stadium.

The homecoming victory comes just one week after a very disappointing loss to county rival Priceville.

The Hawks raced to a 22-0 lead midway through the second period following a 35-yard interception return by D.J. Batts, the second touchdown of the night for the Danville defense.

Sixteen seconds after a 47-yard pass from Justin Morgan to Dallas McAbee had given the Hawks a 7-0 lead, Hawk defensive lineman Tyler Jolley scored on a 47-yard interception. Morgan completed a pass to Kyle Evans for the two-point conversion and a 15-0 Hawk lead.

Jolley picked off a Good Hope screen pass and then raced towards the end zone as if he were an extremely large, but agile greyhound chasing the elusive metal rabbit at the Birmingham Race Course.

His mom and dad were unable to attend the game as his dad was in the hospital for tests. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jolley family. Having taught and or coached all four Jolley children I can honestly say they help make Danville a great place to call home.

Following Batts’ score Brock Garrison added the PAT and it began looking as if this might be a typical homecoming win.

However, if you have attended a Danville football game this year, you know one thing, nothing is ever easy or dull and this game would prove no different.

Good Hope took the ensuing kickoff and drove 65 yards in nine plays to cut the Danville lead to 22-7. The Raider touchdown came on an 11-yard pass from Kainan Smith to Jared McClure. Timothy Cofer added the PAT. Good Hope would threaten one more time before the end of the 1st half but Cofer missed a short field goal to end the half.

McClure added a rushing and passing touchdown respectively in the second half as Good Hope attempted to come from behind. McClure’s 3-yard run midway through the third period cut the Hawk lead to nine (22-13).

He then connected with Austin Crumbley on a 37-yard pass for the game’s final score of the evening. After each touchdown, the Raiders unsuccessfully tried for two.

Good Hope would get the ball three more times but never seriously threatened. Morgan intercepted Smith’s pass late in the fourth quarter and the Hawks then ran out the clock to secure the victory.

“This win was big for our morale plus it keeps us alive for the playoffs,” said Jolley. Danville head coach Scott Curd said, “Our guys made plays when they had to in the fourth quarter.”

Danville is now 3-3 overall and 2-2 in region play. Good Hope has now lost four in a row to fall to 2-4 on the year and 1-3 in the region.

The Hawks will celebrate senior night Friday as they host the Cordova Blue Devils. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.