Hot Springs Savage Heat to advance to playoffs

ST. REGIS – Hot Springs football captured their sixth win of the season on the road against St. Regis/Alberton Friday night 67 -18. The win also secured the conference title for Hot Springs.

The conference title awards Hot Springs the number one overall seed in the playoffs and home field advantage throughout.

“We knew the West was on top of the tournament this year,” Head Coach Jim Lawson said. “Winning conference puts us as the number one seed and gives us home field throughout. It was huge for us this year.”

The win marked the Savage Heat’s sixth straight win since losing opening night. The offense continued to roll over their opponent. Quarterback Tanner Hoff added five scores on the evening. He threw for three touchdowns and added two with his feet. The coaches named Hoff the offensive player of the game afterward.

“Tanner is our leader there is no doubt about it,” Lawson said. “He is a team captain and everyone looks to him on both sides of the ball.”

Hoff has a knack for being in the right place at the right time and making good decisions.

“We had a few broken plays against the Timberwolves and Tanner was able to turn it into a completed pass,” Lawson said. “He’s been starting at quarterback since his freshman year. He’s a playmaker. I don’t think he’s been sacked all year and he hasn’t thrown an interception. He has just been a game changer.”

Even though Hoff was named offensive player of the game, Lawson and his staff named Lane Foster the player of the game against the Timberwolves. Foster had four catches for 90 yards and a touchdown on the offensive side of the ball. On defense he contributed 18 tackles and three interceptions.

“He played a heck of a game,” Lawson said. “He had three interceptions all in the first half that were huge for us.”

On the defensive side of the ball Senior Jimmy Holland was awarded the team’s defensive player of the game. He recorded eight tackles, an interception, and fumble returned for a touchdown.

“Jimmy had stepped up this year,” Lawson said. “He had a 74 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown and interception. He could again be all-state.”

Even though the scores have been lopsided this year for Hot Springs, the team hasn’t been without adversity. Several injuries have held back the Savage Heat but Lawson thinks his team has responded well to the injuries.

“Players are responding well to the dings and bruises they have,” Lawson said. “I have so many kids who can contribute in the game and it has helped out a bunch.”

Lawson has a number of different players who can contribute on both sides of the ball. His players are motivated and have the desire to win.

“These guys know how to win,” Lawson said. “I don’t have to teach them how to win or what to do to win. They have the drive and desire to do so. I guess that part makes my job easier.”

Hot Springs has a well-balanced team in terms of both offense/defense and age of players. Lawson has freshmen who have contributed in all aspects of the game. He does not have to rely on the experience of older players to win games.

Hot Springs will begin their run at a second straight state title this week as they face Roy/Winifred at home.