Savage Heat capture home field in first round of playoffs

HOT SPRINGS- The Savage Heat were able to capture another win Friday night at home against Lone Peak 76-30.

The win gives Hot Springs a home playoff game in just a few short weeks. The Savage Heat once again were able to get out to a quick lead, scoring three touchdowns early. However, Lone Peak would answer with a touchdown of their own. It marked the first time since opening week that Hot Springs had allowed a score. Hot Springs lead 21-8 at the end of the first quarter.

The Savage Heat would be without their signal caller, Tanner Hoff, during most of the first quarter. Hoff sprained his ankle forcing Coach Jim Lawson to change up his line-up to suit his team’s need.

“Losing Tanner really hurt us a little bit because we had to shuffle some kids around,” Lawson said. “We decided we wanted to keep rushing two at the quarterback in the second half and it worked.”

Even without Hoff, Coach Lawson was prepared to let the next guy come up and play quarterback for his team.

“You always have to be ready for situations when somebody gets hurt, you got to plug somebody in,” Lawson said. “Of course our backup is his little brother.”

Even without their quarterback in the backfield, Hot Springs never lost a beat. Senior Jimmy Holland racked up several big plays on both sides of the ball to help boost the Savage Heat.

Not to be outdone by the senior, freshman Trevor Paro tallied four scores of his own in the contest and an interception as time expired in the game.

“I know Trevor had at least a couple of touchdowns tonight,” Lawson said. “I thought that was a heck of a game for him to play as a freshman.”

The final score was not all too telling of how the game played out. Lone Peak gave Hot Springs their first real challenge since their week one loss. After a great third quarter, Lone Peak pulled within three scores before Hot Springs took off and sealed the deal.

The Hot Springs defense forced a safety and two turnovers in the fourth quarter that stopped all hope for Lone Peak. After Lone Peak’s run at Hot Springs, their offense began clicking on all cylinders again. The fourth quarter was all Holland and Paro for the Savage Heat.

Coach Lawson said he was proud of his team’s performance on Friday, but knows they still have work to do to get ready for the playoffs in two weeks.

“Our goal is to be number one in the West,” Lawson said. “Losing one game this year really changed our focus.”

With the season coming to an end, the Savage Heat are in perfect shape to repeat as state champions. They keep playing stronger and score in bunches.

Lawson said the team needs to take the season one game at a time. As cliché as it may seem, the Savage Heat are doing just that. Winning one game at a time as they prep for the playoffs.

The Savage Heat next face Alberton for the conference title on October 25 on the road.