by Brian Hoffman
The Andrew Lewis Middle School eighth grade football team shut out Pulaski County to complete a 10-0 undefeated season last Thursday. The Wolverines won 40-0 in Pulaski.
The win marked the second straight undefeated season for the Wolverines, and if you don’t count the abbreviated “pandemic makeup” season in the spring of 2021 the Wolverines have won 38 games in a row dating back to August of 2018.
“We had an interesting and, at times, frustrating 2021 spring COVID season with shields on helmets, masks, constant worries about too many people together, ecetera,” said Lewis coach Brian Hooker. The Wolverines were 3-3 that year but have won 19 straight since that season and had won 19 straight prior to it.
Last week’s victory over the Cougars was sparked by a Tanner Overstreet to Kyshead Arrington touchdown pass. Touchdown runs by Jordan McCadden and Joseph Henderson were made possible by the offensive line blocking of Winston Wolfe, Tucker Preas, Michael Crawley, Jamalachi Law, Ethan Millard, Robert McDaniel, Denny Toapanta, and Cameron Claussen.
On the defensive side Von Jones and Deshawn Smith played well. During the 10 win season the defense had three shutouts with the starting unit only allowing two touchdowns all season. The offense scored 30 or more points eight out of the 10 games.
“There were 35 members on the 2022 team, which will provide a good nucleus for the Salem High School Spartan Football program in upcoming years,” said Hooker. “I really enjoy watching our players as they grow up and play varsity football. We have a great situation in Salem where we dress in the same building and practice on the same fields. I am proud to say I think I am the only coach to work with Coach (Willis) White, Coach Mag(Stephen Magenbauer) and Coach (Don) Holter. . . .really blessed.”
Hooker, who was assisted by Anton Jones and Jason Staples, has now coached seven Andrew Lewis eighth grade teams to undefeated seasons.