Paul Wilson
Special to the Enquirer

DOUBLE SPRINGS – Three fourth quarter Winston County touchdowns were too much for the Danville Hawks to overcome in a 34-20 loss Friday night.

The final period began with Winston County clinging to a 12-7 lead. Danville, just as they had done two weeks ago in a 19-18 win over Winfield, would take the lead on the first play of the final period when senior QB Justin Morgan scored on an eight-yard run. Morgan had an outstanding game for the Hawks, throwing for a career-high 240 yards and accounted for all three Danville scores – six-yard pass to Gaith Vest and runs of three and eight yards. The try for two failed as the game officials, perhaps in a salute to the legendary “Gothard’s notch” of Alabama-Penn State fame, ruled that Hawk receiver Dallas McAbee caught the ball out of bounds and the Hawks led 13-12 with 11:50 left in the game.

Winston County took the lead for good on their next drive going 70 yards in six plays with Edward Lamp scoring the TD on a 21 yard run. Winston County’s running game, held to only 29 yards through the first three quarters, accounted for all the yards on the go-ahead drive.

The Yellow Jacket two-point conversion pass was good, making the score 20-13 with 9:30 left in the fourth.

Danville’s next possession would prove to be the turning point in the game. The Hawks ran three plays before having to punt. After fumbling the kick, Winston County’s Dylan Earnest picked the ball up, broke a tackle and raced 60 yards down the left sideline for what proved to be the game-winning score. The PAT was good and Winston County had a 27-13 lead midway through the fourth quarter.

Danville then drove down the field and scored with 5:22 left to cut the lead to 27-20. The touchdown came on a three-yard run by Morgan. Morgan was 4-for-4 passing on the drive with the big pass being a 28 yarder to Jason Haynes giving the Hawks the ball at the Winston County 3. Morgan also completed a third down pass for a gain of 13 yards to Slater Robinson, who finished with seven catches for 122 yards, to keep the drive alive.

Winston County ended the scoring when WR Austin Lewis caught a 17 yard pass with 1:59 left in the game. The PAT was good making the score 34-20 in favor of the Yellow Jackets.

On its next possession, Danville would drive to the Winston County 27 before turning the ball over on downs.

With the loss, the Hawks fall to 2-2 overall and 1-2 in the region, while Winston County is now 3-1 overall and 3-0 in the region.