WEEK 1: Hawks win on the road, beat The Colony 19-16

THE COLONY – Red Oak traveled to The Colony to open their 2023 season against the Cougars.

Last year’s meeting between these two teams came down to the wire, with Red Oak picking up the win. 

This year’s game was no different.

The Hawks defense came out as hot as the 104-degree kick-off temperature, sacking the Cougar’s QB on their first play from scrimmage. The Hawks then forced a 3-and-out. 

After the punt, the Hawks offense went to work. With a lot of new players and speed, the Red Oak moved the ball down the field, and got close enough for a FG by junior kicker Josh Jimenez to go up 3-0.

The next series for the Cougars was no better. An interception by Zach Smith quickly put the Hawks in scoring position.

Red Oak connected on a 12-yard TD pass from Reggie Moody to Chris Martinez, who bulldozed his way into the endzone. 

It wasn’t until late in the 2nd quarter before the Cougars would drive close enough to kick a FG and send the game into halftime with a Hawks 10-3 lead.

In the 3rd quarter, The Colony would strike first with a touchdown pass, but the Hawks defense found a way to get points.

On the PAT, senior linebacker Tanner Thompson came untouched through the line and knocked the ball into the air – senior linebacker Mehki Williams grabbed it and was off to the races. The Hawks scored 2-points off the blocked PAT and went up 12-9.

Red Oak would score again in the 4th quarter on a Reggie Moody QB sweep, thanks to a key block by wide receiver Brayden Robinson to go up 19-9.

The Colony, like last year, did not give up and connected on a big pass play and would eventually score, moving to within 3. A gassed Hawks defense would eventually stop the Cougars and get the ball back on downs.

Red Oak’s offense would finish the game strong by pounding the ball and running the clock out with two victory formation snaps.

It was a hard earned 19-16 win, considering the extreme temperatures throughout the entire game.

The Hawks come home on Friday, Sept. 1 to host Arlington Seguin, who defeated Midlothian Friday. 

This Friday is also Senior Night, so you’ll want to get to Billy Goodloe Stadium early and cheer on all the seniors.

Kick-off time is scheduled for 7 p.m., but check the ROISD website to see if the start time is pushed back because of forecasted high temperatures again.