Hawks defeat Hornets!
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (8/30/2025) — The early‑season non‑conference matchup between East Central and Harlan on August 30, 2025, ended in a thrilling 48‑40 victory for the Harlan Hawks at Farris Stadium in San Antonio. Both offenses played at a high pace, but it was Harlan that emerged with the edge in a back‑and‑forth contest. The final score reflected a strong offensive performance by both teams, with Harlan ultimately making the key plays down the stretch to secure the win. With the victory, Harlan opened its season 1‑0, while East Central fell to 0‑1 in its first game of 2025.
Harlan jumped out to an early advantage and maintained a multi‑score lead through much of the second half. The Hawks’ offense showed balanced strength through the air and on the ground, keeping the Hornets’ defense off balance throughout the game. East Central responded with several scoring drives of its own, keeping the game competitive until the final minutes. Despite East Central’s efforts to rally, Harlan’s ability to convert key possessions late proved decisive.
Individual performances played a major role in the outcome. Harlan senior quarterback Aldric Trotter was a dominant force, completing 13 of 19 passes for 286 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for 56 yards and a score, leading all offensive contributors. Fellow senior G’Ivori Graham added another big game with 127 receiving yards on five catches and two touchdowns, anchoring the Hawks’ aerial attack. East Central’s passing attack was led by senior Jay Crosby, who completed 17 of 30 throws for 288 yards and four touchdowns, with senior wideout D. Smith‑Cline hauling in 95 of those yards.
Defensively, both teams made significant contributions in a high‑scoring affair. Harlan’s secondary forced a turnover, and several Hawks defenders contributed tackles behind the line of scrimmage, including senior Maddox Berantuo and junior Alpha Diallo, each credited with tackles for loss. East Central’s defense also recorded a turnover, with junior Ray Gloria picking off a pass. Special teams factored in as well, with Harlan’s junior kicker C. Cartegena converting all extra‑point attempts and two field goals to help extend the Hawks’ margin.
Overall, the game showcased offensive firepower and competitive spirit from both squads. Harlan’s balance and timely execution allowed them to overcome a persistent East Central challenge and prevail in an exciting opener. (Stats: MaxPreps.com)
