BY GENE NARDI
On Friday, Nov. 6, the Seminole Ridge High School football team hosted Park Vista High School in the final game of the season, falling to the Cobras 38-35 in the final six seconds on a 25-yard field goal.
The Hawks finish the season 4-6, 2-2 in their division, and miss the postseason for the second straight year.
The Park Vista defense made it difficult for the Hawks to find the end zone early on, and shut them out in the first quarter. The Cobras took an early 7-0 lead on a 20-yard touchdown pass. The second quarter exploded with action. Both teams combined for 28 points, but it was Park Vista that held on to the 21-14 halftime lead. Hawks quarterback Michael Adeyanju connected with receiver Ty Smith twice in the second quarter for back-to-back scores.
Seminole Ridge tied the game up 21-21 with Adeyanju finding Smith again on a 24-yard touchdown pass. Both teams clashed through the second half, fighting for the advantage. Park Vista struck again on a 4-yard run to retake the lead 28-21.
The Hawks responded, yet again, when Adeyanju threw a 53-yard bomb to running back Chase Johnston to lock the game up 28-28 headed into the fourth quarter.
The Cobras would grind out another solid offensive drive, which led to another 4-yard touchdown run that propelled them back into the lead 35-28. The Hawks have earned the reputation of being difficult to manage in the second half to opposing teams this season, and this game was no different. Seminole Ridge did exactly what it is known for, grinding out yardage, and eating up the clock. Adeyanju led the drive, and capped it with a handoff to Johnston for his second score of the night, this time a 1-yard run for the equalizer.
With the contest locked up 35-35, both the Cobras and the Hawks continued the struggle to sustain the lead, but neither would let up. Park Vista plowed forward, through a stubborn Hawk defense late in the fourth quarter. With less than 10 seconds remaining on the clock, the Cobras set up for a 25-yard field goal attempt. Seminole Ridge sent an intense rush in an effort to block the kick, but a quick snap and an accurate kick gave the Cobras the 38-35 lead.
With four seconds left in the game, it all came down to a single play for the Hawks. Adeyanju rolled out and fired a rocket down the center of the field, but the pass fell incomplete as time ran out. The 38-35 loss concluded the Hawks’ season, and lands them a 4-6 overall record.
Adeyanju completed five of eight passes for 175 yards and four touchdowns. Smith is credited with three scores, and Johnston recorded two touchdowns. Seminole Ridge also managed to pile up 155 yards rushing yards.
ABOVE: Hawk quarterback Michael Adeyanju looks for a receiver down field.
