The Hillsboro Hawks Varsity Football team looks to improve on their 5-5 record from the 2020 season. The team finished second in the league with a 3-1 record, and averaged over 30 points per game, which are solid numbers on which to build. Now, let’s look at how the 2021 season could be better.
First, the bad news. The Hawks graduated 13 solid players from last season. However, that creates an opening for the young bucks to step up and fill an important slot. Returning a Quarterback to lead the way is vital, and that is one positive for the team, as Griffin Ray will be back this season. Head Coach Bill Sucharski commented, “We have several impact players, in my opinion, and we look forward to them continuing to provide good leadership for our team. They continue to work and get better and I expect good things from them this year.” Sucharski continued, “Jordan Jarvis, Austin Romaine, Jaxin Patterson, Tyler Watson, Greg Sanders, John Bennet, Tyson White and Ray will be major factors in our success.”
Getting off to a winning start is something that will pay dividends down the road when it comes time to make brackets for Districts. Last season the team started off with losses to both Northwest and Jackson. Sucharski noted, “Obviously our conference games are all key games. Northwest and Jackson are critical games. We need to be able to get off to a good start as we play two good teams right off the bat.”
The returning starters are a crucial element, but there are also many younger players that will make or break the season. Sucharski continued, “Some players besides the ones mentioned already that are primed to make an impact would be Blake Larson, Chase Sucharski, Wyatt Yaeger, Harrison Voyles, Cruz Valencia, Gavin Alexander, Cody Bishop, Alex Medina, Payton Brown, Canyon Stout, Hunter Reed, Jack Zlotopolski, Tucker Vulysteke and Wyatt Huskey.”
Last year the team relied heavily on rushing. It should come as no surprise then that Sucharski added, “One of our strengths should be our ability to run the ball, and we are looking to improve our passing game. Defensively we are looking to make improvement from last year’s team.” Being able to score doesn’t mean much if defensively a team can’t stop the opposition from doing the same.
The Hillsboro Hawks are ready to soar into the 2021 season, as the season will kick off at home this Friday, August 27, at 7:00 p.m., versus the Northwest Lions in a non-conference game.
Follow all of the extensive and detailed coverage at Ameritime Sports.
Good luck Hawks!
