The 2023 school year started off with a bang for the Samford football team, as they defeated the Shorter Hawks 69-14 at Seibert Stadium in the season opener on August 31st.
With the win, Samford begins a 1-0 game statistic for the year and 7-2 in season openers under Samford Football Coach Chris Hatcher. The 69 points by Samford were the most scored since 2018. Michael Hiers threw for 375 yards and five touchdowns, while Chandler Smith accounted for two touchdowns and 84 yards receiving. The dynamic duo of Hiers and Smith as preseason All-Americans proved victorious once again.
Defensively, veterans Noah Martin and Josiah Cotton paced the attack. The two accounted for 13 tackles and four TFLs.
The first quarter was cause for concern, as the Bulldogs only held a 14-7 lead, but a 35-0 second quarter in favor of Samford was more than enough to ensure victory.
Hatcher liked what he saw from his team overall: “I thought defensively we really came out and set the tone early in the ball game. We were just suffocating there in the first half…it’s always nice to win ball games,” Hatcher shared.
The schedule does not get easier for the Bulldogs, who now have to travel to Western Carolina in Week 2 to open conference play.
Sports Editor
