Ben Ellenburg turns to hand off in a game earlier this season. He threw for a career-high 245 yards in win over Susan Moore. Photo by Amelia Williams
It took extra time for the young Danville Hawks to earn their first win of the season, a 35-28 victory over Susan Moore.
Danville had to come from behind twice in the fourth quarter to force overtime.
Hawks quarterback Ben Ellenburg hit Gage Taylor with an 11-yard touchdown pass on their first possession of overtime to take the 35-28 lead.
They won when their defense held firm on Susan Moore’s possession and kept them out of the endzone.
The Hawks jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first half with a touchdown reception by Sawyer Tapscott (25 yards) and a touchdown run by Keilyn Speegle (45 yards).
Susan Moore cut the lead to 14-7 heading into halftime. However, they added two touchdowns in the third quarter to grab their first lead of the game at 20-14.
The Hawks took a 21-20 lead early in the fourth on a three-yard Talon Cross touchdown run. However, Susan Moore responded with a 15-yard touchdown pass and two-point conversion to take a 28-21 lead with 10:03 left.
Ellenburg and Taylor hooked up for a 75-yard touchdown pass with 6:59 left to tie the game at 28-28.
Ellenburg finished 10-of-22 passing for 245 yards and three touchdowns. Taylor finished with 272 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. He had six receptions for 170 yards while rushing 10 times for 97 yards.
“I am proud of our effort tonight,” said Danville head coach Andro Williams. “We had several players step up to help us earn this win.”
Danville (1-2, 1-0) host J.B. Pennington (2-1, 0-1) on Friday in region play.