After closing out the regular season with a win against South Iredell 15-6, Davie looked to continue its success in the first round of the playoffs against 1-9 West Mecklenburg. As with most games this season, the defense led the way, managing a pair of interceptions and holding the Hawks to 0 points. The offense did enough to win the game scoring 19 points, and won the game 19-0 for their first playoff game win since they beat the same team back in 2019.
Although the offense struggled at times, they were able to string together three touchdowns and put up 19 points. One of the touchdowns came on a long receiving touchdown to senior wide receiver Ethan Driver. The other two came on quarterback keepers from linebacker/quarterback Elijah Chaffin. As the team looks to next week, players like tight end Evan Helms, a junior, are optimistic.
“We are focusing on attacking their weaknesses and using the strength of our run game,” Helms says. “We will also look to finish drives as we have left a lot of points on the field and especially in the redzone. If we clean that up, and the defense continue to play lights out we should emerge victorious on Friday.”
For West Mecklenburg the offense couldn’t get in a rhythm as the defensive line was in the quarterback’s face all game and the corners stayed disciplined all night. On defense, the Hawks played well enough, but because the War Eagle defense dominated that set up the team in good field position and a tough place to not let up any points.
While the offense did enough to put the team in a position to win, the real stars on Friday were the defense. They were able to be fierce all night, and get two interceptions and hold the Hawks to 0 points. Senior Colson Sink, outside linebacker, attributes the team’s success this past Friday and throughout the season to a group of “talented” players and coaches “that make us better every day.” Sink also acknowledges that there is talent on both sides of the field, and this week’s matchup against Jack Britt is not one to underestimate.
“It will be tough, but if we play a physical brand of football, shut down the run, and dominate the line of scrimmage we will put the team in a position to emerge victorious,” Sink says.
The War Eagles travel to Jack Britt this Friday for the second round of the state playoffs.
