Special teams key in Hawk win

JEREMIAH BARTZ/ Frontiersman sports editor

SEWARD - The Houston Hawks used big plays on offense, defense and special teams to record a big win over the Seward Seahawks on Saturday.

Houston improved to 2-1 in Great Land Conference play with a 33-30 win over the Seahawks in Seward.

The Hawks gained more than 500 yards of total offense and grabbed six turnovers on defense, but Houston head coach Norm Bouchard said the third part of Houston's game could be most noteworthy.

"Special teams made a difference," Bouchard said.

Each team reached the end zone five times in the game, but the Hawks were able to take away the easy points. Houston blocked three extra points and stopped a pair of Seward two-point conversion attempts in the win.

Junior quarterback Ryan Thamm led the Hawk scoring attack with 223 yards passing and four touchdown throws. Thamm completed 8-of-12 attempts, and topped the 200-yard mark for the second consecutive game.

"Teams still focus on our running game, and they are kind of playing the pass soft," Bouchard said. "Ryan has gotten better, and we are taking advantage of it."

Bouchard also credited the play calling of Houston offensive coordinator Rob Hammond.

"He did a nice job of mixing things up," Bouchard said. "Not letting them get a handle on things."

Houston senior wide receiver David Monteil had another big day, with five catches for 169 yards and three touchdowns.

Junior wide receiver Donovan Parker also caught a touchdown pass.

Junior running back Karl Thistle led the Houston ground game with 160 yards and a touchdown.

On defense, the Hawks recovered four fumbles and intercepted a pair of Seward passes. Chris Minsch recovered an early fumble for the Hawks to send the momentum Houston's way. Late in the fourth quarter Monteil picked off a Seward pass to clinch the game for Houston.

After two consecutive weeks on the Kenai Peninsula, the Hawks return home and face Delta Junction Friday at 6 p.m.