Published: September 06, 2008 02:42 pm            

Hartshorne Miners fall to Vian Wolverines 42-6

The Hartshorne Miners lost their home opening game to the Vian Wolverines, 42-6, Friday evening at Buttler-Jennings Field.

The Miners gained experience by playing a more experienced team, which pleased Hartshorne head coach Bill E. Williams, “Our team, played every down, despite the score,” Williams said.

A large group of Miners fans were on hand which cheered and supported their hometown team.

“We came to play every down!” Williams shouted during the second half, as he encouraged his players, “Get out there and have fun, we came to play every down,” Williams encouraged.

The Miners faced battles from the beginning against a tough Wolverines defense, which only allowed the Miners two first downs against a talented Wolverine defense.

The Miners defense took on more battles on the field than the offense, defending 70 plays against the talented Wolverines.

Trouble came for the Miners trying to control the Wolverines strong offensive line and two talented runningbacks, Senior Tayler Shade and Junior Dylon Tyler.

Tyler, carried 183 yards against the Miners, Shade carried for 87 yards.

With touchdowns came kickoffs.

The Miners junior Mario Harden, was a key player on the kickoff return team. He was injured in the second quarter that forced limited playing time the remainder of the game.

Williams doesn’t see too much of a problem to Harden’s right leg, he just took precaution during the game to reduce the risk of a serious injury.

The Miners starting quarterback junior Ross Rose, gained experience in the pocket facing a well rounded Wolverine defense. Rose continued to play every down on offense and defense.

Junior defensive back C.J. Nelson and senior Ben Blankenship were key defensive backs for the Miners. The upper upperclassmen deflected passes that could have resulted in more Wolverines’ touchdowns.

Coach Williams doesn’t see a reason to change the way his team plays football. He feels that they played against more experience and that the Miners’ team gained valuable lessons in their season opener.

“We are not going to go into next week thinking we need to change our entire game plan,” Williams said. “We are not going to let a team influence us in our beliefs. We will continue to work the way we know how.

“The rest of the coaching staff and I agree we are still going to coach our way and work on the area were we need to work on. We have the potential for a winning season.”

The Miners are scheduled to play Friday against Atoka in Hartshorne.

Contact Porky Falcon at pfalcon@mcalesternews.com

        

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