Camels win first game
The Camels of Atkins High Schools’ junior varsity football team has gotten off to a rocky start in 2017. Atkins lost their first four games of the year but last week they finally got a “W” in the win column when they defeated Surry Central, 28-14.
Even though the Camels were winless they have gotten progressively better throughout the year according to head coach David Hamlin. The Camels finally put all the pieces together and pulled out a tough victory against the Golden Eagles.
“Finally I think we are clicking even though we are dealing with some injuries,” said Hamlin. “The hard work we put in during the off season finally paid off. The kids understand the system on offense and defense and we have tweaked some things to make it easier for them to grasp.”
The Camels began the game on a sour note as the Golden Eagles took their initial drive right down the field and scored a touchdown putting them in a 6-0 hole. Turnovers and missed opportunities contributed to the Camels not scoring in the first frame of action.
Fortunate enough for the Camels following that opening drive by the Golden Eagles, they bent but never broke. While the offense was trying to get on track the defense held their opponents at bay allowing the Camels to take a slim 16-6 lead at the half after receiver Charlie Walker caught a hail mary in the end zone as time expired.
“I just think the coaches have done a wonderful job of teaching fundamentals and techniques,” Hamlin said. “When the kids start listening and doing the things that the coaches have asked, this is the result. We are more athletic than what people give us credit for and we are growing.”
Surry Central had their opportunities but could not quite capitalize on them when needed. Head coach Wes Evans felt they ran out of gas a little in the first half but credits the Camels for a well played half.
“We came out like we were supposed to, with a little fire and then we kind of lost it,” said Evans. “As we started getting into the game more and more, I think we got a little tired and lost focus.”
The Camel defense came up big right out of the gate in the second half by forcing a fumble on Surry Central’s first possession. Atkins then began to complete some short passes that opened up running lanes for the backs.
The combination of quarterback Jacob Torres and Walker was deadly all evening. When a big play was needed Torres continually looked to Walker who consistently delivered. Both young men say they have been working on their chemistry since the beginning of the year.
“Words cannot explain how happy I am right now,” Torres said of getting their first win. “We have been working on things every day in practice and we will build off of this and come back stronger next week.”
“It feels good to win but I feel like we should have gotten this win weeks ago,” Walker added. “We are going to try to win conference and hopefully this is the first win of many.”
Hamlin had high praise for his team Thursday night. He says they guys are buying in well along with the freshman catching up to the speed of the game.
“Walker played well and he is only a freshman and we are definitely looking for big things from him in the future,” Hamlin went on to say. “Torres was a running back that I had to convert because our starting quarterback moved. He has done an excellent job thus far.”
Evans felt as though some of the big plays by Atkins caught his team off guard and got in their heads a little bit. He says the penetration from the Camel defensive line also contributed to the lack luster running game in the second half. He said he was proud of the effort from his young men.
“We really preach effort at Surry Central,” said Evans. “Until the final whistle blows we want them to give it all they have. We want every opponent to know when they play us we will give it all we have.”
While the Golden Eagles remain winless Evans says they will take the necessary lessons from the game. He says he will have the guys focus in when they watch film this week to prepare them for their next opponent.
