HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: HAWKS GO ON THE ROAD TO TAKE ON VESTAL (2023-10-13)

Southern Tier Sports Report
The Corning Hawks have won back-to-back games, but they know they need to keep working hard as they face another tough test this week.

“Focusing on fundamentals and execution,” Corning coach Mike Johnston Jr. said. “WE need to be well prepared again. Very good Vestal football program.”

Johnson Jr. knows that Vestal is a very good team.

“I have a lot of respect for Vestal’s football program, their coaching staff and their players,” Johnston Jr. said. “I think they are one of the best teams in New York State.”

Defensively the Hawks have gotten better each game, but they know there is work to do still.

“We’re pleased with the progress, but we still have al long way to go,” Johnston Jr. said. “We need to continue to eliminate big plays and do a better job tackling.”

This year it truly has been a next man up approach for the Hawks, who have had some key guys out in recent weeks.

“We don’t really have a choice,” Johnston Jr. said. “We have kids out this week again. WE have to find the best players to fill in those positions and go out and execute on all three sides of the ball. Opportunity knocks for the kids being asked to step up.”

On offense the Hawks know they have to control the clock and limit mistakes.

“We need to sustain drives, take care of the football, stay with blocks, execute perfectly, carry out fakes,” Johnston Jr. said.

On defense the Hawks know they have to be fundamentally sound.

“Alignment and assignment,” Johnston Jr. said. “Contain their big weapons, eliminate big plays, gang tackle on first contact.”
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STSR FILE PHOTO.



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