Wall Hawks Take Down Another 4A Power for 21st Straight Win

WALL, TX — The Wall Hawks ran their winning streak to 21 games Friday with an impressive 31-13 victory over Midland Greenwood.

It’s the third school larger than Wall that the Hawks have slayed this year, and it’s the second time they’ve beaten a Class 4A program that reached the state quarterfinals last season.

Greenwood is a strong program in 4A Division I that had won 26 of its last 30 games heading into the night.

But after the Rangers took an early 6-0 lead, Wall rattled off the next 31 points to take command and roll to another win that illustrates why the Hawks are ranked No. 3 in the state in 3A D-I and looking like a real threat to defend their state title.

“I love it. We just beat a very good football team,” Wall head coach Craig Slaughter said. “We made some incredible plays with the studs we have, but we also left some plays out there. But that’s an awesome win. I’m super proud of the kids. We’re 5-0, and now let’s go 1-0 next week.”

After falling behind 6-0 on a touchdown run by Greenwood’s Tripp Martin, Wall began showing off its explosive big-play ability.

Gunner King hit Evan Boehle for a 49-yard TD pass that gave Wall the lead for good with 1:45 left in the first quarter.

Jager Thompson then returned a punt 87 yards for a TD, the second time he’s returned a kick for a score this season.

A field goal by Tyler Klinesmith gave Wall a 17-6 lead at halftime.

After a 9-yard TD run by King, Wall put the game away in the final minute of the third quarter when King connected with Braylon Nelson for a 71-yard TD pass to make it 31-6.

Greenwood finally found the end zone again early in the fourth quarter on a 20-yard pass from Andrick Rodriguez to Hyden McNutt. The Rangers nearly scored again on a deep pass to Grayson Leatherwood, but Christian Camp chased him down to knock the ball loose for a touchback.

"I can't wait to watch the film," Slaughter said. "That was not his man. He was just helping out there, and that was amazing effort. It was just an unbelievable play by that dude."

Defensive end Kaden McFarden was a menace on the defensive line who wrecked one play after another.

"He's a defensive coordinator's dream," Slaughter said. "Kaden's an absolute dude. He was so good last year that he rotated with those studs that were seniors. Now he's a kid that doesn't leave the field much. He's a special player and had a special night."

Safety Kalan Sanders also had some big plays on defense with an interception and a forced fumble.

King finished 12-of-24 passing for 211 yards with two TDs and two interceptions. He also had nine carries for 100 yards and a TD.

Gunner Garza added 18 carries for 70 yards.

Though Wall won by 18 points, it was the Hawks' closest game since their 42-35 win over Canyon West Plains to begin the season. Every win since then had been by 36 points or more.

Slaughter compared the level of competition to a playoff game a few rounds deep into the postseason.

Wall (5-0) will visit Midland Christian next week. Greenwood (3-2) will host Glen Rose next week.

Wall 31, Greenwood 13

Greenwood   6   0   0   7 — 13

Wall   14   3   14   0 — 31

First Quarter

G - Tripp Martin TD run (kick failed), 3:37 remaining

W - Evan Boehle 49 pass from Gunner King (Tyler Klinesmith kick), 1:45

W - Jager Thompson 87 punt return (Klinesmith kick), :00

Second Quarter

W - Klinesmith FG, 1:12

Third Quarter

W - King 9 run (Klinesmith kick), 7:53

W - Braylon Nelson 71 pass from King (Klinesmith kick), :25

Fourth Quarter

G - Hyden McNutt 20 pass from Andrick Rodriguez (kick good), 10:36