2020: An Undefeated Season

It began with a unanimous decision by the Seniors; it ended with one of the highest-scoring seasons in Harvester Christian Academy’s history. From the first summer workout in June to the Battle for the State Line in November, the 2020 Varsity Football Season symbolized the spirit of this Hawks’ team: dedication, determination, and domination.

Led by Head Coach Trevor Read, Defensive Coordinator Andretti Loyd, and Assistant Coaches Roy Brown, Donald Pridgen, and Jeff Tobin, the Hawks completed their 9-game undefeated season with an offense that amassed 4,593 total yards and averaged 52.7 points per game and a defense that only allowed opponents a mere 9.7 points per game.

The road to their undefeated season began on August 21 when the team traveled to Loganville for a pre-season scrimmage with Victory Christian and scored every possession against the Warriors. The following week, the Hawks battled for their first win at Pinecrest Academy in Cumming, a 40-32 nail biter over the physical Paladins.

Then September started with a tough team challenge when Senior Captain and Quarterback Jake Read suffered a season-ending knee injury. However, the Hawks were determined to continue what they had started, and Junior Luke Tanner stepped up and led the team to a Senior Night 46-0 shutout of the Covington Academy Bulldogs from Newton County. The month ended with the decisive 59-16 Homecoming win over the Covenant Academy Rams of Macon.

Continuing their winning streak into October, the Hawks headed across town to King’s Way Christian and secured a 44-12 win over the Crusaders. Two more shutouts followed consecutively: Victory Christian Warriors on the Hawks’ home field, 54-0, and Fidelis Christian School on the Rangers’ field in Cumming, 52-0. Halloween Eve saw Hearts Academy of Powder Springs flailing to stop the Hawks’ explosive offense, with the Panthers falling 78-6.

November commenced with the Hawks’ fourth shutout of the season, 48-0, over the Southern Christian Patriots in Opelika, Alabama. And the Hawks’ undefeated season culminated on Friday the 13th at the first annual Battle for the State Line versus the Lighthouse Christian Warriors in Pinson Valley, AL, with a resounding 54-22 victory.

At the end of this most stellar season, MVP Brent Brown (Senior) had rushed and received for 1,787 total combined yards; Offensive Player of the Year Tyler Smith (Sophomore) racked up 1,163 total combined yards; Defensive Players of the Year Tim Talbert (Freshman) had 45 tackles with 9 sacks for -60 yards, and Jerek Adams (Senior) had 6 interceptions, 9 assists, and 18 solo tackles; Most Improved Gabe Toups (Junior) unflinchingly impacted both sides of the ball; Coach’s Awards were earned by Xander Kyzar (Sophomore) and Jake Read (Senior) for their extra efforts assisting team preparation.

In the most unprecedented football season ever during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Hawks 2020 Varsity Football Team was dedicated and determined to dominate. And it did.