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Eastside Hawks move closer to title

Prior to their second round encounter with the Hawks, the Rhino Raiders (13-1) had been winners of 58 straight games and ranked third in the NAFL. But the Hawks, ranked No. 1 in the league, held them to just 139 total yards of offense.

Eastside`s defense also began the game`s scoring when Hawks cornerback Jamley Austin picked off a Dave Stireman pass and returned it 66 yards for a touchdown. Then, with 59 seconds remaining in the first half, cornerback Terrance Ivory intercepted Stireman again, this time returning it 35 yards for the touchdown and a 21-0 lead heading into the half.

That was plenty as the Hawks didn`t allow the Rhino Raiders to score until early in the fourth quarter.

Eastside quarterback Chris Dixon was nine of 16 passing for 289 yards and three touchdowns. He connected with Derrick Smith on a 8-yard pass in the second quarter and hit Brian Carter and Antonio Chandler for touchdowns in the third.

The Hawks (14-0) will get a bye next week before facing an opponent to be named in the third round on Oct. 20. The national championship is the first week of November in Orlando, Fla.

Eastside Hawks 41, South Odgen 7

South Odgen 0 0 0 7 --7

Eastside 7 14 14 6 --41

First Quarter

E -- Jamley Austin 66 interception return (Craig Hawley kick)

Second Quarter

E -- Derrick Smith 8 pass from Chris Dixon (Hawley kick)

E -- Terrance Ivory 35 interception return (Hawley kick)

Third Quarter

E -- Brian Carter 6 pass from Dixon (Hawley kick)

E -- Antonio Chandler 28 pass from Dixon (Hawley kick)

Fourth Quarter

SO -- Josh Christensen 8 run (Christensen kick)

E -- Kevin Prosser 35 run (kick failed)