Revitalized Haltom football team finding its stride, Northwest is next

By Greg Bogomol

Special to the Star-Telegram

Haltom won just once in the first month of action, but doubled that total with last week's 49-6 victory over longtime foe Richland.

The last time the Buffalos beat the Rebels, three was ago, is also the last time Haltom made the playoffs.

"When we play Richland it's not just a district game it's a rivalry," coach Scot Hafley said. "We don't really want to lose and the past two years they really put it on us, so it was nice to be on the other side this time."

Next for Haltom (2-3, 1-1) is Justin Northwest (4-1, 2-0).

Against Richland, Haltom racked up 487 yards, 407 of those on the ground. Leading the way was senior and three year starter Travis Danford. He picked up 179 yards on 19 carries and four scores and also completed 4 of 7 passes for 80 yards and two scores.

"Travis had a fantastic game," Hafley said. "He didn't want to go out his senior year without beating Richland and that was important to him. We told the seniors that they had a chance to have a lifetime of bragging rights."

Danford has led the offense, accounting for 841 of the team's 1,642 passing and rushing yards.

"We went into last week knowing what we had to do with Richland being our biggest rival," Danford said. "Monday through Thursday we prepared well, and Friday we gave it to them. The offense executed well and the defense came ready to play and their momentum really helped us."

Undrell Thomas is the team's other threat at running back. He has gained 278 yards on 37 carries. Wide receiver Roman Gordan has caught 14 passes for 272 yards.

"The offense revolves around the kids doing their job," Hafley said. "We have triple options and Travis makes smart decisions. There are games where Travis gets a lot of work and games where the fullback gets a lot of the carries and other times it's the halfbacks. They all have to do the job and when they have a chance to shine they have to do it."

The Buffalos have a chance to put themselves in playoff contention with a victory Friday night.

"If we execute and play like we did this past Friday, there isn't a team that can stop us," Danford said. "The biggest difference from the past few weeks is that we were all engaged from the first quarter to the last. Everyone was on the same page and it showed. We just have to keep up the intensity this week and carry everything we've been working on."

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