Hendersonville Commandos
Hendersonville improved to 6-3 after a convincing 63-8 rout over visiting Glencliff.
With the victory, the Commandos kept their playoff hopes alive, but will need help next week to return to the Class 5A playoffs.
Five things from the Commandos’ victory:
Making quick work
Things got out of hand early after Hendersonville jumped out to a 42-0 lead before the first quarter came to a close. Commando defensive back Austin White intercepted a pass from Glencliff quarterback Kirt Johnston on the first play of the game.
It led to a 1-yard touchdown run from Weston Schwerdt. Schwerdt made a play on defense later in the quarter, intercepting a D’Andre Mumphrey pass, then lateraled the ball to Jacob Coker, who returned it 40 yards for a touchdown.
“It was nice to see coming off a disappointing loss and a bye week,” Hendersonville head coach Bruce Hatfield said. “You want to start the game like that and I’m proud of our young men, and of our guys that got in there at the end. But it was a good start and we’re pleased.”
Getting it in chunks
Hendersonville found big plays through the air in the first quarter as well. The Commandos only attempted three passes in the game, but each one went for touchdowns. Starting quarterback Brett Coker connected with Anthony Hughes and Jordan Amis for scores of 31 and 49 yards.
Backup quarterback Justin Ernst would also come into the game to throw a 35-yard touchdown to tight end Schuyler Robinson.
“On the first touchdown pass, I just lobbed it up to Anthony,” Coker said. “I knew he could go get it. On Amis’s touchdown, he was wide open so I knew I had to get it to him. It’s really fun for a quarterback like me because I’m not used to throwing the ball too much.”
Lots of playing time to go around
The lopsided score allowed several backups for Hendersonville to see some valuable playing time. Thirteen different players carried the ball for the Commandos throughout the game, combining for 253 rushing yards. Backup sophomore running back Nathan Hancock led the team with 57 yards on three carries. Backups Griffin McAuley and Tyler Dang also found the end zone with touchdown runs.
“It was very important for those guys to see some playing time,” Hatfield said. “They work hard in practice and get our front-line players ready to play. To see them play hard at the end was very encouraging.”
Colts find paydirt
The lone bright spot for Glencliff came in the fourth quarter. Quarterback D’Andre Mumphrey connected with wideout Davian Merrell on consecutive plays of 34 and 29 yards. The drive ended with a 3-yard run from William Sweatt.
“Knowing that every game we go into we’re outmatched and outnumbered, us showing up and completing the game and giving our best effort is something that we always strive for,” Glencliff head coach Brandon Easley said. “As long as the boys show up and give their best effort, we feel like it’s a successful game. We do not check the scoreboard, because a lot of things happen in the football game and you can blame a lot of people, but we do our best.
Still needing help
Despite the victory, Hendersonville still needs help to reach the postseason.
The Commandos will, at the very least, look to take care of things in their control as they travel to Hunters Lane next week.
Hendersonville needs a victory and a Hillsboro loss next week. The Commandos would finish fourth in that scenario, but they could gain third if Gallatin also loses.
“It remains to be seen whether we get into the playoffs or not, but I hope we do and I hope we get a chance,” Hatfield said. “We’ve just got to focus on ourselves and get ready for Hunters Lane at their place.