The Hive Sports

by James Tate

The Darts came into the season with questions about replacing their quarterback and its two top receivers. The answers came in the region-winning victory over the Titans with quarterback Tradon Bessinger and receiver Kash Gates and Bodee Sparrow. The Darts defense played physical and fast in dominating one of the state’s top offenses. The defense, playing without its leading returning tackler Jacob Faerber, controlled the line of scrimmage and limited the Titans big-play receivers in a 22-10 victory.

The Darts finish the regular season with a perfect 5-0 region record and head into the playoffs with a nine-game win streak. The Titans finish the regular season 7-3.

Darts take early first-quarter lead

The Darts took the opening kickoff and drove down the field deep into Titan territory before stalling and turning the ball over on downs with 7:37 on the clock. The Titan’s momentum did not last long as Gates intercepted Titans quarterback Jake Hopkins on the next play.

The Darts’ offense turned the turnover into a 28-yard field goal by Finn Garff and took a 3-0 lead with 4:24 left in the first quarter. The key play on the drive was a fourth and one conversion on a run by Owen Talbot.

After the kickoff, the Titans offense was not able to move the ball for a first down and, on fourth down, attempted a fake punt pass. The attempted pass fell incomplete and gave the Darts possession inside Titans’ territory.

Bessinger would find Sparrow on a deep post-pass completion down to the one-yard line after the Titans’ punt miscue. Talbot would score the first touchdown of the game from the one-yard line and give the Darts a 10-0 just before the first quarter ended.

Titans receiver DJ Mayes catches touchdown

Defenses hold each offense in check in the second quarter

The Titans’ offense would have its best play, a deep pass completion from Hopkins to DJ Mayes on their next possession. Hopkins would find Mayes over the middle in the end zone for a 17-yard touchdown reception to cut the Darts’ lead to 10-7. The score was at the 8:59 mark of the second quarter and shifted the momentum to the Titans.

Both defenses would hold up strong and force punts on the following possessions. Darts cornerback Nick Johnson gave the Darts their second interception of the first half in the second quarter, ending a Titans drive.

The Darts would break through as Bessinger found Gates on a slant route for a 5-yard touchdown before halftime. Key plays on the drive included Bessinger finding Gates and Sparrow on quick passes that resulted in first downs on the drive. The score stood at 16-7 after the two-point attempt failed. The touchdown came with .25 left on the clock, and the Darts would take the lead into halftime.

Third quarter

The Darts started the second half with an attempted onside kick that the Titans recovered. The Titans moved the ball into opposing territory on the first drive of the quarter but stalled and turned the ball over on downs at the Dart’s 32-yard line.

The Titans would force the Darts to punt with 5:02 left in the third quarter. The Titans would strike next, with Hopkins completing a long pass to Rhett Thompson. The Titans would move the ball to the 12-yard line, but a bad snap and two incomplete passes would force a field goal attempt to start the final quarter.

Fourth quarter

The first play of the fourth quarter saw Thompson make a 22-yard field goal for the Titans for a 16-10 score. On the Dart’s next possession, a crucial third-and-long completion to Sparrow was a play that kept the drive going and put the momentum back with the Darts.

The Dart’s offensive line of Sam Stewart, Dylan Child, Juni Moala, Wyatt Rash, and Ayden Vasquez was able to wear down the Titans on a game-clinching drive. The drive ended with Talbot scoring a touchdown from the 2-yard line with 5:35 left in the game. Talbot’s touchdown made the score 22-10, and the Darts closed out the game and won the Region 1 championship.

Outstanding performers

Gates had an outstanding game, playing both ways, and had 12 receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown. Gate’s big interception in the first quarter was a critical game-changing moment. Sparrow also played on offense and defense and had seven catches for 125 yards.

Bessinger highlighted the night by passing for 287 yards on 29 completions and a touchdown. Bessinger was in complete control, showed poise in the pocket, and trusted his receivers to make plays. Talbot’s two rushing touchdowns were decisive in the opening quarter and to close the game.

“Our offense has a lot of skill and they’re playing with a lot of confidence right now,” said Head coach Scott Peery. “Tradon Bessinger is a young man with a bright future. He has the highest football IQ at the QB position that I have ever coached He can make every throw and he has displayed that all year.”

Defensively, the Darts were physical with Titans receivers and shut down their running game. Jordan Taula, Carter Dorius, Crew Cunningham, Johnson, McCoy Frasure and Damon Brown were leaders on the defense that held the Titans to ten points.

“The defensive line was able to cause so much disruption which shows how how gritty our team is,” Damon Brown said. “We said each day that we were going to win this game and that championship was ours.”

“Our defensive coordinator, Cameron Pribble put together a fantastic game plan and the boys executed it well,” Peery said. “We had many studs step up and make plays all night for us whether it was a tackle, interception, or break up. They have been stout all year and what a night to be at your best.”

The Titans saw a great game from receivers Mayes and Shaun Blanton. The defense played tough throughout the game, and Preston Haney and Hoyt Pula were standouts.

photos courtesy of Joe Oliver IG: @iamjoeoliver and Facebook.com/joeoliverphotgraphy