CAMDEN — The Harmony Grove community is hosting an event to confirm that its team isn't alone on its quest for a 2A title.
There will be a community-wide bonfire pep rally at 6 p.m. on the hill beside Calvary Baptist Church today to root on the Harmony Grove Hornets Football team. Former NFL Defensive linemen and Harmony Grove graduate Corey Williams will serve as the motivational speaker for the event. Cookies and hot chocolate will also be available.
The Harmony Grove Hornets advanced to the semi-finals of the 2A State Playoffs and will travel to play the Lions of Mt. Ida at 7 p.m. on Friday.
One may find it hard to believe that the same Harmony Grove team that stood at 4-4 in Week 8, is now 8-4 after taking down two, 10-win teams and a solid Palestine Wheatley squad in the playoffs. The Hornets also did it with a variety of different injuries and illnesses - including head coach Tony Chambers who battled through a stomach bug to make the long trip to Cherry Valley last week.
This week, Chambers' squad is venturing into familiar territory - at least for him. Chambers has family that lives in Mt. Ida including his father.
Mt. Ida enters Friday's contest at 12-1, with its one loss coming against Dierks in Week 8. Similar to Harmony Grove, Mt. Ida only won by one point last week in an overtime game against Danville. Mt. Ida tends to outscore its opponents by an average margin of 32-18. The team is coached by Michael White and uses a split back veer set on offense and a 4-4 on defense.
Mt. Ida has three running backs that weight over 200 pounds but they are all under classmen.
The Lions also have size and speed along the defensive front setting up an interesting match for the Hornets who were able to run for 157 yards - 116 by Jordan Hicks - last week. Mt. Ida also has a solid kicker and H.G. has athletic and speedy returners.
Hornets leaders Nathan Whitley and Jace Garcia are expected to be back in action after Garcia had to sit out last week due to a concussion from the previous week, and Whitley left last week's game after and ankle injury. The Hornets have had several sophomore step up to make an impact in the playoffs as well like Kentrell Hill at receiver and Gannon Bearden who has stepped in at quarterback on occasion.