Mohawks fall short in 8-man championship, complete impressive season

Despite a 34-6 loss to the Tri-State Crusaders in the 8-man football state championship game last Saturday, the Waldron football team completed its best season to date.

The Mohawks, who finished last season 6-3 (6-2 regular season), were 8-0 heading into the 8-man championship.

“We just beat ourselves,” said Waldron head coach Corey Barton. “We had a really good team. But honestly, nothing went right for us. That was the lowest amount of points we scored all season.”

Tri-State (6-3) led 22-6 at halftime and held Waldron (8-1) scoreless in the second half to secure the win. Five turnovers, plus an injury at quarterback, doomed the Mohawks.

Walker Dodson, Waldron’s senior signal caller, suffered an injury in the opening quarter and was unable to finish the game. His younger brother, Hunter Dodson, moved from his running back position to take command of the offense. 

“You can imagine the kind of effect that had on us (losing QB),” Barton said.

The Crusaders limited the Mohawks to just three offensive possessions in the second half thanks to two onside kicks.

“We got stuck passing more than we wanted,” Barton said. “It was just the way the game played out. It was unfortunate. Not many teams win with five turnovers.”

Hunter Dodson scored the lone touchdown of the game for Waldron on a 50-yard run in the first quarter.

The Mohawks advanced to the 8-man state championship after a 48-12 victory over Traders Point Christian Academy on Oct. 19. Walker Dodson had 146 passing yards and threw for three scores in the win.

“Coming off last season, the expectations were to bump up from a 6-2 regular season to an undefeated regular season,” Barton said. “That was the first goal and we had a great season. When it comes to being a good team, I think we really achieved that. I am proud of them.”

Walker Dodson finished the season with 536 passing yards and six touchdowns. Hunter Dodson was the team’s leading rusher with 534 yards (6.9 per carry).

Tad Crosby had a team-high 14 receptions this season while Troy Atwood led Waldron with 329 receiving yards (29.9 yards per catch) and 19 total touchdowns.

Defensively, Atwood racked up 55 tackles while Hunter Dodson and Walker Dodson finished with 41 and 37 tackles, respectively. Tad Crosby, who had 14.5 tackles in the state championship, led the team with six interceptions on the season.

The Mohawks will say farewell to three seniors (photo) -- Walker Dodson, Jared Crosby and Tyce Hinchman -- after completing their third 8-man season. Barton believes the program can withstand the loss of key players, though, as they continue to build for the future.

“We have a system in place now,” Barton said. “It was the 10th year of youth football here. So some of these kids grew up not knowing anything different -- there has always been football here for them. (The future) is looking good. We have improved our record every year.”

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