Armwood 42, Newsome 3

Behind Mywan Jackson and Eric Smith, the Hawks flatten the Wolves to remain unbeaten.

By JOE SMITH, Times Staff Writer
Published September 22, 2007

SEFFNER - Armwood junior quarterback Mywan Jackson provided some magical plays Friday night.

Tailback Eric Smith rumbled for another 100-plus yard game (and three touchdowns).

But it was the Hawks' heralded yet injury-depleted defense that stole the show in a 42-3 thumping of Newsome.

Armwood (4-0), playing without four key starters (including linebacker Petey Smith), overwhelmed the Wolves, holding them to just 89 total yards.

Of Newsome's five first downs, three were gained because of an Armwood penalties.

"We just didn't show up," Newsome coach Ken Hiscock said. "We were totally outmatched tonight."

The Hawks were far from perfect (13 penalties for 100 yards). After the first quarter, they were up 7-0 (thanks to a Newsome fumble and Smith 4-yard run).

But Smith and the Armwood lines wore down the Wolves. The Hawks rushed 49 times for 348 yards). Smith carried several Wolves defenders on his three touchdown runs (and 112 yards).

But he was not alone. Sophomore Ray Jackson had 127 rushing yards - including 78 in the third quarter - before throwing a picture-perfect 39-yard touchdown while on the run to Eric Gonzalez early in the fourth.

Jackson finished 7-of-14 for 105 yards and two touchdowns.

"Nothing that Mywan does surprises me," Hawks safety Angelo Hadley said. "He's an amazing athlete - and he's still got a few more tricks in him."

While several Hawks - including converted lineman Leon Johnson and linebacker Casey Callahan - filled in admirably for Smith (out with a bladder infection), Armwood might have lost another starter when blue-chip lineman Matt Patchan left in the second quarter with a right shoulder injury.

Patchan, the bay area's top recruit, said he'll see a specialist today to find out the severity of the injury.

"Everyone stepped up and picked up the slack," Hadley said. "That's what you have to do."

Armwood 42 Newsome 3

[Last modified September 22, 2007, 00:55:51]