Red Oak defeats Braswell 35-30, faces Aledo Bearcats

The Hawks only loss this year came in week 1 to the Denton Braswell Bengals, where the Hawks came in flat, had plenty of mistakes and were burned by the deep ball. Fast forward 10 weeks and the Hawks faced Denton Braswell again, but with the Area Championship on the line. 

This time, the Hawks had plenty to prove and prove they did with a 35-30 win. 

First, there’s the old adage, defense wins championships. The Hawks defense made a statement inside AT&T Stadium last Saturday night. Red Oak’s defensive forced early throws, stuffed the Braswell run game and had two late, game saving interceptions. The linebackers were flying to the ball every play and the secondary, who were burned in game one, brought their A game and held the Braswell passing game in check nearly the entire game. 

The Hawks Special Teams were outstanding, and maybe the best play came after a Bengals safety, with 1:10 left in the game and Red Oak holding onto a 35-30 lead. Red Oak had to kick the ball away. The Bengals badly misjudged Dakota Santos leg strength and Santos kicked it over the returner’s head and the ball took a great Red Oak roll to near the Braswell 20-yard line. 

Although Braswell held the Hawks rushing attack in check most of the game, the Hawks showcased how much they have improved since week 1. 

The speed they have at the wide receiver positions is scary. QB Joshua Ervin is incredibly accurate. Ervin threw for 384 yards and four touchdowns going 13-of-23 in the game. Ervin has quietly amassed 2,533 passing yards, thrown 38 touchdowns passes and only has four interceptions this season. 

Wide receivers Coby Cavil, Raymond Gay and T.E. LaKelsey Johnson each had huge games. Cavil (7-281 yds.) caught a 99-yard touchdown pass just 25 seconds into the second quarter to give the Hawks a quick 14-0 lead. Ervin would find Gay (5-87 yds.) across the middle who then took it up the Braswell sideline for a 59-yard Red Oak touchdown. In the 3rd quarter, no one from the Braswell secondary covered Johnson off the line and Ervin tossed another TD pass to a wide open Johnson who walked in for a touchdown. 

RB C.J. Palmer finally tasted the end zone on a 3rd and short.

As well as the Hawks played, they made some crucial mistakes during the 3rd and 4th quarters, which allowed Braswell to get back in the game. While mistakes were made, the difference this time was the Hawks were good enough to overcome those mistakes. They never quite playing, and two huge interceptions by Donovan Jemerson sealed the win.

What’s next for Red Oak? They will now face the storied program from Aledo. The Bearcats (11-1) will face Red Oak (11-1) at AT&T Stadium Friday, Nov. 29, with kick-off at 7 PM. Check the Red Oak ISD website and Facebook page for ticket information.