Armwood Hawks Keep Perfect Season Alive With State Semifinal Win

Armwood High School's football postseason has been full of tough battles against talented opponents, but on Friday night, the Hawks once again proved their resiliency.

The Hawks overcame early deficits, withstood a barrage of comebacks by Bartram Trail and made the big plays necessary on either side of the ball to earn a 46-38 state semifinals win, at home Dec. 9.

After the game, the celebration was short-lived on the field — but was clearly in the players' hearts — as they advance to their second consecutive state championship game.

The Hawks face Miami Central at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando on Dec. 17, at 1 p.m.

"This one is special," senior linebacker Eric Striker said about the semifinals win. "Nobody gave up. After being in this place last year we just have to remember that this isn't over yet. We thrive off of adversity, we don't bend or break. To have the chance to go on and play against Miami Central, it's going to be a big game."

For alumni, today's Hawks are bringing honor to the name their predecessors  worked so hard to build.

"This would be the best of all Armwood state championships for me to have seen because my nephew [Cody] is on this team," said former Armwood player Matt Waldrop, Class of '98. "How could you not be proud of this team? They showed so much maturity. They were up against it tonight and they came through like champions."

The first quarter saw the Bears jump out to an early 3-0 lead.

The Hawks struggled with penalties and an early fumble but eventually took the lead with an 80-yard drive that ended on a 13-yard touchdown run by quarterback Alvin Bailey.

The junior quarterback would later recapture the lead with an 85-yard run after Bartram Trail scored on a 74-yard touchdown pass.

Bailey's aunt, Juanita Bryant, who was in the stands to root him on, was emphatic in her celebrations.

"I come to every game but I enjoyed tonight because it was an incredible game," she said. "I can't wait to get to that state championship game. When he gets home he'll know how proud we are that we got this victory!"

The Class 6A semifinal at Lyle Flagg Field was never going to be easy for the Hawks, as Bartram Trail's senior quarterback Nathan Peterman might have been the best Armwood has seen to date.

In the end, the Hawks would allow the Bears 470 yards of offense, but it came down to big plays. When the Hawks needed one, they got it from heroes popping all over their lineup.

Junior defensive back Leon McQuay provided a key interception and a fumble return for a touchdown. Seniors Garian Brown and Jarvis McCall would both make key interceptions as well, but the biggest hero on the night was on the other side of the ball.

Wade Edwards has been a crucial figure backing up running back Matt Jones all year, but after Jones suffered troubles with his ankle in this one, Edwards was even more important.

Particularly in a third quarter where the teams traded touchdowns like souvenirs, Edwards was unstoppable. Scoring on back-to-back drives with runs of 5 and 88 yards, respectively, the senior runningback fueled Armwood's victory, finishing with more than 200 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

"Tonight meant a lot to me because it was time for me to pick up the responsibility and carry my team to state," Edwards said. "The blocking was phenomenal. Every time I saw a hole, I'd hit it and see nothing but green in front of me. The offensive line was great and I have to give a shout out to Corhen Ingram, who played with a hurt hamstring tonight and was amazing."

The suspense never diminished.

Where the Hawks once had a 33-16 lead and appeared to be cruising midway through the third quarter, they entered the fourth ahead by only two points. For the fans, the game was intense, but many never lost faith in this Hawks team.

"That was scary but I never had any doubts," said Mellissa Covington, mother of senior defensive lineman Allen Covington. "I knew they would stay strong and keep playing hard. I think this team has to rate up there with any of the Armwood teams from the past."