Savage Heat stay perfect
<p>Junior defensive end Jack Dolson capitalizes on a turnover in an early season game against Tri-City.</p>
HOT SPRINGS – The Hot Springs Savage Heat continued on their successful season on the road this weekend, extending their unbeaten streak in a win over Lima.
Hot Springs got off to a quick start, scoring 30 points in the first quarter of play, and triumphed over the Bears, who were also unbeaten before Saturday’s matchup, by a score of 52-0.
The victory moves the Savage Heat to a record of 4-0 with three of those wins coming in league play in the Western C 6-man division.
Hot Springs Head Coach Jim Lawson said the team’s play on the defensive side of the ball was critical to securing last weekend’s victory on the road.
“We played solid defense. We were able to shut down their run game and hold them to minimal yardage passing,” Lawson said.
Junior tight end Jack Dolson kicked off the Savage Heat’s 30 point first quarter by hauling in a 20-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Tanner Hoff for the first six points of the game.
After their initial scoring drive Hot Springs never looked back and the team’s defense was able to hold the Lima offense to a slew of three and outs.
This set up the Savage Heat offense with a short field on multiple possessions, leading to several scoring opportunities throughout the course of the game.
“We held them to three and outs and had a lot of short fields to work with,” Lawson said.
The Hot Springs defense also put a few points on the board throughout the afternoon with a safety caused by a Hoff sack and a 10 yard pick six, also by Hoff, compiled 8 defensive points on the day.
Sophomore fullback Nate Gray led the Savage Heat offense, racking up 62 rushing yards on the ground and two touchdowns, including a 30-yard touchdown dash, during the game.
Hoff had a big day from the quarterback position, going 6 of 11 through the air for 130 yards and three touchdown passes.
Hoff connected on a 41-yard touchdown strike to sophomore running back Trevor Paro for a score early in the second quarter.
The Savage Heat offense combined for 288 total yards during the afternoon game.
As Hot Springs continues the road portion of the season Lawson emphasized the importance of the team staying focused.
“We need to keep the boys focused, make sure they keep their intensity up and play hard,” Lawson said.
The Savage Heat will travel to Big Sandy for a game against the Pioneers, to be played at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11.