The Nelson Hawks took another big step toward establishing themselves as a team on the rise in the Mt. Hood Conference.
The Hawks’ ability to execute and make big plays in critical situations was the catalyst behind their 42-35 win in overtime over the Clackamas Cavaliers on Friday. The win was especially sweet for the Hawks (3-1, 2-1 in Mt. Hood Conference), the fledgling program in its second season.
“They’re kind of forging their own identity as a Nelson Hawk,” Nelson coach Aaron Hazel said. “It’s awesome for those guys to put their stamp on it and get rewarded for their effort and work they have put in during the last two years.”
Another reason for the Hawks excitement? They didn’t forget the 52-0 loss to their neighborhood rivals in 2021.
Hazel said the coaches largely avoided talk about the loss to the Cavaliers in 2021. However, he knew the players discussed it amongst themselves during the week leading up to the game.
“We didn’t talk about it much as coaches, but I’m sure they had that game in the back of their minds,” Hazel said. “They wanted to make sure they got redemption on that game.”
There was probably plenty of back-and-forth chatter among players from both teams, leading to a torrent of emotions during the game. Hazel said the seniors helped the other players keep their focus during practices and the game.
“We weren’t going to be able to hide from the fact that it was a rivalry game. We talked about it a little every day,” Hazel said. “It’s a rivalry week. Not rivalry game.
“The seniors did a good job of echoing what we were saying. They really kept everybody on track and kept everyone’s head in the game.”
The Hawks needed to refocus after allowing the Cavaliers to score the game-tying touchdown when senior receiver Cooper Beltz scored on a 9-yard run. Freshman quarterback Dylan Bower then threw a two-point conversion pass to senior AJ Perez to tie the score 35-35 with 5:35 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The Hawks scored on their first play of overtime when senior wide receiver Max Kirsch snagged a 25-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Avirey Durdahl. The Hawks sealed the game on junior defensive back Lucas Womack’s interception – his second of the game - during the Cavaliers’ offensive series in overtime.
Kirsch’s scoring catch was his second touchdown of the game. He returned a punt 70 yards to the house for a touchdown in the third quarter.
“For him to be the guy that makes that play in that opportunity, I know it means a lot to him and his family,” Hazel said. “It was awesome for him to make that play. Max is a guy we can count on every single day to do whatever is needed to get the job done.”
The Hawks celebrated for a short time following the game and now it’s back to business.
The Hawks will face the much-improved Barlow Bruins (3-2, 3-0) on Thursday. The Bruins rolled Nelson 41-0 in the Hawks’ inaugural game last season.
“Barlow is a totally different team compared to Clackamas. That will help us get focused,” Hazel said. “They handed it to us pretty good in our first game last year. Our guys remember it.”
Ad Choices