It appears even Mother Nature is a fan of Hawk Nation.
Pleasant Grove celebrated its 2019 state championship in football Saturday with its own State Fair in 63 degree weather. That’s pretty warm for Feb. 1.
“What a beautiful day for a state championship celebration,” said Texarkana (Texas) Mayor Bob Bruggeman, who drew cheers from hundreds of local supporters at Hawk Stadium.
Bruggeman shared a list of PGISD’s athletic achievements over the last six years, including the Hawks’ back-to-back-to-back appearances in the 4A Division II state championship game. They beat West Orange-Stark in 2017 with a 16-0 record. PG lost to Cuero in 2018, but last December beat Wimberly for a second state title.
It was also noted that Pleasant Grove boys and girls have advanced in 42 of 43 sports to the postseason during those six years. Bruggeman was awed by that, concluding his message by telling the football team how proud the city of Texarkana, Texas, was of its trek to another crown.
Hawk fans greeted by Superintendent
Pleasant Grove Superintendent Chad Pirtle was the first to greet the Hawk fans, particularly “The Little Hawks.”
“There’s a lot of Little Hawks here today,” said Pirtle. “They are the future, but we’re here today to recognize the 2019 state champions. It was so much fun following this football team around. It is my opinion we have the best coaching staff in Texas, and the best head coach.
“This Pleasant Grove football team represented our community with class, pride, dignity, selflessness, humility, dedication, honor and respect.”
Pirtle then recognized the board of trustees, school administrators, boosters and the student-athletes.
“You guys are killing it at the high school right now,” he told high school principal Todd Marshall. “There’s so much energy in our high school. I’m so proud of you guys. You love and educate our students, the best I’ve been part of. I’m looking forward to what we’re going to be able to do in the future.”
Josh Gibson explains Grove’s success
Before introducing several members of his coaching staff, Josh Gibson did his best to explain Pleasant Grove’s athletic success.
“God gave us all these unique individuals, and together we were able to do something special. Our dreams don’t become reality without each other. There are so many people who have played a role in making our dream become a reality.
“This wasn’t one man’s dream. It was all of us together. You don’t win state championships without the support of the school board. It just doesn’t happen. Mr. Pirtle gave us the resources to be the best program in Texas.”
Josh Gibson emphatically said it would be arrogant to beat your chest with three other high schools in Texarkana.
“But right now Pleasant Grove is a freaking freight train going through the state of Texas,” said Gibson. “Mr. Pirtle is driving this thing, and our biggest cheerleader Todd Marshall has his head out the window letting everyone know it. I love it!”
Justin Gibson mentions accomplishments
Brother Justin Gibson followed to the mike to talk about the football team’s accomplishments.
“Three years in a row we’ve been undefeated district champions,” he said. “It’s very rare that you have the same starting quarterback (Ben Harmon) all three championship games. Ben was the feature cover on Dave Campbell Magazine last summer. He’s leaving Pleasant Grove with a 44-4 record during his three years.
“Four of next season’s players (recruits) are in the top 100 of all classification in Texas. Landon Jackson and Marcus Burris are in the top 10. Nick Martin and Torie Phillips are the two other blue-chippers. Allen (Texas) has 6,000 students and they can’t say they have as much talent as Pleasant Grove.”
Justin Gibson recognized lineman Connor Stanfill, recipient of the Dave Campbell Unsung Hero Award. That honor goes to a handful of players around the state for their contributions on and off the field.
Rodriguez represents PG on television
It was also pointed out that the Hawks were on national television this past season. Diminutive receiver Sergio Rodriguez (5-7, 120) was featured on ESPN and Monday Night Football. It was a touchdown reception in the playoffs that got him on Randy Moss’ segment of “You Got Mossed.”
Arguably, the most humorous thing said Saturday was when Justin referred to The Star in Frisco as Pleasant Grove’s West Campus. The Hawks have played at the Cowboys’ practice facility nine times in the last three years. PG has also played at AT&T Stadium three times, and Allen’s $60 million facility.
Assistants Steve Morris, Clint Fuller and Riley Fincher also gave accounts of the 2019 football season.
Morris gave credit to former Pleasant Grove coaches Johnny Toombs, Rick Barker and Kevin Davis for building the roadways to success that the Hawks are currently enjoying.
“Josh Gibson came to Pleasant Grove six years ago, and now we’re on a super highway,” said Morris. “It’s been surreal since Josh has got here. It’s hard to win anything, and we’ve gone to three straight state championship games. That’s surreal!
“A year ago we were sitting in Nick Saban’s office talking Pleasant Grove football. That’s surreal! There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ve got the best program in Texas right now. It’s eleven months away, but I think you Hawk fans should start making your holiday plans at Jerry’s World.”
