Well Earned Road Win for Green Hill 

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Hawks traveled into Robertson Co. with a young ball club on opening night and knocked off Beech, 15-13. It was a gutsy performance from Green Hill that received strong play from their veterans and occasional flashes of what their future could look like with certain underclassmen who played big roles. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Going into the 2026 season, Green Hill knew they would have a young ball club but they didn't know if they would be ready for the limelight. Well Friday night proved otherwise as the Hawks went on the road to Beech and knocked off the Buccaneers, 15-13. It didn't look good early but led by some veterans, the young Hawks persevered, fought back and gained a lot of confidence after taking down a perennial winner like Beech on their home turf.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the game got going, you could immediately tell the youthful Hawks were caught in the lights as Beech got the ball to start and quickly got into the end zone. After a long pass into the red zone from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1317766' first='Sawyer' last='Phillips'] </strong>to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1028041' first='Jeramy' last='Laster'] Jr.</strong>, senior athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1657131' first='J.R.' last='French'] </strong>lined up at “wildcat” and darted in for the first score of the game. The extra point was no good but Beech struck first and gained the early momentum.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hawks took over and did nothing with their first drive. That was almost expected with new starters all across the offense but it allows Beech to take the ball back and extend their lead. The Bucs leaned on their run game to put the ball near the goal line where sophomore back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1641927' first='Joe' last='Joe French'] </strong>powered his way into the end zone. Just like that, the Buccaneers were ahead 13-0 and looking like a team on their way to victory. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That certainly didn't happen as Green Hill woke up and took control for the rest of the game. The Hawks offense put together a solid drive where <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368155' first='Will' last='Butler'] </strong>started to emerge as a playmaker. Green Hill got in position for a short yard field goal, which they converted and brought the score to 13-3. After a defensive stop, the Hawks built on their momentum with another long drive that saw senior athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2341820' first='Zilon' last='Beard'] </strong>take a jet handoff and score to push the Hawks to within four at 13-9.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2341849,"width":"226px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/wbutler.webp?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2341849" style="width:226px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That would be the score going into the break with Green Hill holding all the momentum and their eyes on the prize. The Hawks maintained their presence in the 3rd quarter by keeping field position in their favor and methodically moving the ball down field. They would eventually break through again after a screen pass to Butler, where he ran into Buccaneer territory then the drive was finished with Beard's second touchdown of the night.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hawks climbed all the way down from thirteen points to grab the lead and they would hold on to it the rest of the way. The youthful Green Hill football team started to believe midway through the first half and kept gaining confidence as the game went along. The biggest thing that started to turn around was the play in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Being able to run in a variety of ways while stopping the run on defense proved to be a big difference maker in the Hawks victory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finishing off the 3rd quarter, the Hawks had all the magic in-hand as Beech made it to mid-field but running back <strong>Devin Crutcher </strong>mishandled the ball and he fumbled, which was recovered by Butler. The Hawks would not score the rest of the game but they kept Beech from doing so as well. Every time it felt like the Buccaneers were going to find a way, Green Hill's defense stepped up and shut them down. Everybody from all three levels played a hand in the Hawks defensive effort and it was needed against a strong Buccaneers rushing attack.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We had several back and forth drives throughout the 4th quarter until Beech had it one last time where they were able to get the ball inside the Hawks 20 yard line but a field goal attempt went wide left. Green Hill had dodged another bullet with this being the last one as the Hawks would run out the clock and plug a road win into the victory column.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I wasn't sure what to expect from Green Hill going into the game but I learned this year's squad is mentally tough and willing to learn on the job. I still expect some bumps in the road for Green Hill but Friday night they did what was needed to win and do so on the road over a good Beech football team. This win is a great building block for the Hawks as they should have confidence moving forward while keeping their eyes on winning another region title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player of the Game</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1368155"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a89cd31a3e24"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Even though Butler didn't produce any touchdowns or points in this game, he was the best player on the field that proved to be the main catalyst behind the Hawks road victory. The future Marshall linebacker made play after play on offense as the team's top receiver then proceeded to produce multiple tackles on defense, including a big fumble recovery to end the third quarter. This game was a great seasonal debut for Butler that displayed an increased skill set that makes me think Power Four schools could show interest before the football year is over.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Three Stars …..</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2341820,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a89cfd464cf0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If it wasn't for Butler's performance, Beard would have been our player of the game. This senior athlete brought dynamic play and speed to the Hawks offense where they used him in a variety ways to help produce touchdowns. He scored two of them on the night, both in different ways. Beard scored by rushing the ball in the 1st half then took a short screen pass, turned on the speed and raced past Beech defenders in the 2nd period. His athleticism and big play abilities will definitely be needed this season as others around him develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1664680"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a89cfd464d97"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Crutcher was the biggest standout for Beech on Friday night as he provided big plays for his offense while rushing for over 100 yards. On several occasions, the Bucs senior ball carrier generated multiple big runs that moved his offense down field, including a few key first down pickups. Crutcher didn't score on the night but he was the most steady offensive performer that showed he deserved more carries going forward within the Buccaneers backfield.&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2088979"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a89cfd464e22"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Hawks senior leader on the defensive line, Hardin had a strong showing against the Bucs where he made several tackles for loss, including a big sack that stopped a would-be Beech offensive drive. Most of his work in this game was done setting the edge or stopping the run. The Bucs rarely threw the ball, so Hardin had to focus on playing strong at the point of attack and either making the tackle or allowing his teammates to do so. Hardin is still looking for college interest and more games like tonight will certainly help force coaches to look in his direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Notes ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Stepping into the starting quarterback role for Green Hill, I thought <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1718205' first='Seth' last='Frankenfield'] </strong>handled himself very well. His numbers may not show it but he commanded his offense just fine while not putting the ball in harm's way. He also made several clutch throws on the night&nbsp; while getting the ball out quickly so his playmakers could do their thing. There is much more to learn for Frankenfield but I can see a bright future ahead for him as long as he continues getting bigger and stronger while learning the game much further. What this sophomore signal caller did do was solidify himself as the Hawks quarterback now and into the future.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- There is a lot to still learn about the Buccaneers going through the rest of their season. They did not have two of the best players in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206523' first='D.K.' last='Williams'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1634767' first='London' last='Parks'] </strong>on the night due to suspensions and those two must be on the field this year for Beech to find success. What they did potentially find is a loaded backfield with multiple options. Both French brothers flashed good play on the night while Crutcher showed some explosive running that should compliment his backfield counterparts. Beech is known for running the ball and that recipe will remain at the forefront of their efforts throughout the season ahead.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Both Beech and Green Hill are teams we picked to win their region in the preseason and while I still feel confident in that staying true, I do see an open window for others to potentially overtake them. Both the Buccaneers and the Hawks have some weaknesses that showed up on Friday night. Beech needs to find a better passing attack while the Hawks could have struggles in several areas due to their youth. I'm interested to see how both these teams play in “Week Two” and what adjustments have been made. Goals of winning the region while reaching postseason play are definitely still in play but Beech and Green Hill must tighten up the ship or others might take their top spots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2341840,"width":"268px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/mhardin-crop-372x244-1787417281.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2341840" style="width:268px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->