Hot Springs dominates the competition

WEST YELLOWSTONE – The Savage Heat football team from Hot Springs dominated their opponents away from home on Saturday easily dispatching the team 71 to zero. The team applied relentless pressure in the first half on offense and defense repeatedly stopping drives by their challengers and scoring touchdowns in the hands of nine different players.

Head Coach Jim Lawson said his team was able to establish their running game and effectively shut down the opposing offense.

“We jumped out 50 to zero at halftime,” said Lawson. “We were able to run the ball and we put a lot of pressure on the quarterback forcing a lot of bad throws.”

The Savage Heat managed to gain momentum on the ground and avoid mistakes that had cost them in past games.

“Once we established our run game we were able to keep it going on the ground,” said Lawson. “One big thing was we cut back on our penalties. The defense really stood out for us.”

The Hot Springs defense was able to hold their opponents to only one first down in the entire game.

On the offensive side of the game, the Savage Heat were aided by a strong performance from quarterback Tanner Hoff. Going three for four in passing for 61 yards and two touchdowns, Hoff also had three carries for 62 yards and one touchdown.

Jarod White also had a solid showing on the gridiron rushing for 83 yards and one touchdown.

The team will next face Lima at home on Friday. Coach Lawson said his team may face some challenges against their next opponent.

“They’ve got a really good quarterback,” said Lawson. “What we’ll try to do is keep the quarterback contained and put pressure on him.”

Coach Lawson said the key to victory over Lima may lie with the ability of the Savage Heat to maintain control of the defensive aspect of the game.

“We work on our defense every week,” said Lawson. “If our defense can keep them to a low amount of points we should be fine.”