WINDTHORST, TEXAS - The Wichita Falls Nighthawks began 2014 where they left the 2013 season, with a win. The Nighthawks battled the Galveston County Monarchs in an exhibition game and won 45-23 in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd at Trojan Field in Windthorst.

As is the case with most preseason games, rust was a factor in this one. False starts, offsides, and pass interference calls littered the game from start to finish. In between those penalties, the Nighthawks flexed their championship caliber muscle and continued to impress with a dual threat offense.

WF QB Omar Jacobs (Bowling Green) was impressive, throwing 4TDs including a pair to former MSU QB turned slot receiver Brandon Kelsey. Jacobs was not immune to the off-season rust, as he also threw 2 INTs in the first half.

The Nighthawks' running game was also looking good. Starting RB Ontorio Shaw (WFHS Coyotes) scored the first points of the season on a 7 yard TD run in the first quarter to give the Nighthawks a 7-3 lead that they never looked back from. RB Will Toliver added a second rushing TD for the team with a 5y scamper to end the scoring for the game.

The "Nightmare" defense of Wichita Falls wasn't as scary as fans had remembered, finally getting a sack of the Galveston QB well into the second quarter. They eventually calmed, holding the Monarchs to just one score in each quarter. It also didn't help the defense's momentum that a 56 yard INT return by WF was negated by a defensive offsides penalty in the opening drive of the game.

Overall, the Wichita Falls Nighthawks looked ready to kick-off the 2014 regular season in the newly minted GDFL (Gridiron Developmental Football League) on May 31 against the Texas Eagles. Kickoff is set for 7:30PM at Memorial Stadium.

Fans in Windthorst were treated to a great atmosphere and awesome prize drawings. Two fans won cash prizes totaling $1,000 and another lucky fan won an opportunity to win a Kubota utility vehicle valued at over $12,000. Nighthawks management promises even bigger prizes and events this season for all of the home games at Memorial Stadium.

FINAL - Wichita Falls 45, Galveston County 23

Wichita Falls  - 10   7   21   7

Galveston County - 3   6   7   7

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