HILLDALE HORNETS

Coach: DAVID BLEVINS

9-3

OFFENSE

After years of success and reaching the playoffs, 2023 means rebuilding time in the Hornet nation. Graduation left Hilldale with just one returning starter and not much experience on either side of the ball going into the upcoming season, so coach David Blevins and his staff will be scrambling to find replacements in the spring and summer. Sophomore Dawson Fields (6-3, 185) will take on the quarterbacking duties this year having thrown just one pass in his freshman year. At running back out of Blevins no huddle spread offense will be Gage Roland (5-11, 190, Jr.) who carried 11 times for 36 yards last year in a back-up role to the now-departed Eric Virgil, and will share touches with Alex Roland (5-8, 165, Jr.). There is a bright spot for the Hornet offense in the line with the return of Cash Schiller (5-10, 250, Jr.), a VYPE Top 100 nominee. “Cash had a fine year in 2022 and graded above 90 percent in all 12 games,” said Blevins. “He’s also a plus in the kicking games where he has added points include a 53-yard field goal.” Joining Schiller in the O-line will be Mason Forhan (6-1, 255, Jr.) as well as Ty Polson (5-10, 255, Jr.), Pearson Bennett (6-1, 250, Jr.), Chase Crowder (5-9, 210, Jr.) and Chaston Murray (5-9, 245, So.). Blevins play calls will go to Ty Wilson (6-2, 180, Jr.) and the speedy Brady Scott (5-9, 140, So.) who qualified for state in the 100-meter sprint this past spring joined by Cole Marshall (6-2, 180, Jr.) and Parker Ireland (6-4, 190, Jr.) as primary targets for the passing game. “It’s like putting together a puzzle and you have to find all the pieces,” said Blevins.

DEFENSE

Forhan who was the third leading tackler with 59 from his spot on the defensive line on last year’s team that made it to the state quarterfinals will be the lone returning starter for the Hornets joined by Schiller and Kaden Ford (6-1, 275, Fr.) and Crowder. Roland started in four games at outside linebacker last year and had three interceptions, one for a touchdown will add to the returning game time experience. He’ll be joined on the outside edge by Ireland while Hunter Frazier (5-11, 195, So.) who played in six games at inside linebacker for the Hornets in 2022 joins Matt McCoy (5-10, 220, Sr.), Jacob Jones (5-11, 200, Sr.) and Dawk Jackson (6-1, 175, Jr.). Cornerbacks Marshall and Scott will patrol the defensive backfield for Hilldale joined by Wilson at free safety and Blake Johnson (5-9, 170, So.) at strong safety. Blevins will line his team up in a 3-4 defense with instructions to play fast and pursue to the ball. “As we start this year, it’s about getting better on every play, every day and then by mid-season be ready for the playoffs,” said Blevins.

SCHEDULE

9-1 – vs. Tulsa Edison

9-8 – at Tulsa Hale

9-15 – vs. Claremore

9-22 – at Stilwell

9-29 – at Ada

10-6 – vs. Poteau

10-13 – vs. Sallisaw

10-20 – at Broken Bow

10-27 – vs. Madill

11-3 – at Fort Gibson