April 25, 2024
Shorter University looks to improve on last year's 2-8 season. PHIL ROBERTS/ShorterROME — The Shorter Hawks football season starts tonight at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.
Shorter looks to improve on last year's 2-8 record. Meanwhile, the sixth-ranked Mocs (DI-FCS) begin their defense of 2015's Southern Conference Championship.
"Throughout preseason the focus has been to improve in every aspect," head coach Aaron Kelton comments. "We've done that. We have good players, and it's been great to see the improvements that all have made so far."
"Chattanooga is a very good team, and we will just need to go out there and do what were capable of doing, and be persistent and intentional in every area. This week will give us a good look at where we are."
On offense the Hawks will once again look to B.J. McCoy. A year ago McCoy led the Gulf South Conference with 1,489 yards on 207 carries with 10 touchdowns. He also topped 100+ yards in nine of Shorter's 10 games, including the last eight contests of the season. McCoy tallied more than 200 yards twice in 2015.
Pearl River Community College transfer Matt Williams sets up at quarterback for the Hawks. The offensive line, says Kelton, will be crucial to the Hawks success. Finishing blocks will be important for McCoy's continued production and Williams' settling in.
"If they can do that, we will be in good position to make plays."
On defense, Kelton stressed veteran leadership from Jevaris Jones, Rodney Jackson, Kevin Knight, and Willy Dorcin.
"We have no lack of talent or experience, and I think that will serve us well."
"We've really come together as a team," Kelton adds. "The guys are excited about football again."
Shorter and UTC kick off tonight at 7 p.m. at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga.
Shorter University Athletics contributed to this report. For more information on Shorter athletics, go to GoShorterHawks.com.
