Grambling blanks Hannan on road

Archbishop Hannan will have to wait another week for that elusive first season victory as the Hawks came up short Friday, falling to the Grambling Kittens, 34-0, on the road. Hannan slipped to 0-4. Grambling is 3-2.

Hannan defensive coordinator Daryl Terrell, who played offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints from 1998-2001, said the Hawks’ defensive unit held its own heading into halftime, trailing just 6-0 at the intermission.

“Our defense did a good job before they got worn down by Grambling’s bigger offensive line. We have lots of young players who are learning as they go,” Terrell said.

Terrell said some of the Hawks’ younger players gained valuable experience. “They never quit. We did the best we could trying to rotate people in and out,” Terrell added.

He praised the play of senior linebacker Lee Laughlin and senior mike linebacker Kyle Nunez, who led the Hawks in tackles. Both players also saw action at tight end.

In the second quarter, the Hawks faked a punt with up back Eddie Lane taking a direct snap. Lane completed a pass to Laughlin to pick up a first down.

Terrell said the Hawks were able to move the ball on offense but were unable to sustain drives, leaving the Hannan defense on the field too long.

Grambling got on the board in the first half on a play action pass from about 20 yards out with about five minutes left. The extra point was missed.

The Hawks’ defense continued to hold its own early in the second half, forcing Grambling to punt on its first two series.

Terrell said after the good second-half start, Grambling started pounding the ball inside.

“Their size advantage just started to wear us down. After running strong inside, they shifted gears, moving the ball to the outside. They were able to get around the edge,” Terrell said.

He said Grambling did a good job running the ball and controlling the clock in the second half.

Midway through the third quarter, Grambling picked up its second score from about 40 yards out. The Kittens were successful on a two-point conversion to go up 14-0 en route to the shutout.

Archbishop Hannan returns to action Friday night, again hitting the road to go against the Rabouin Falcons in New Orleans.