Week 1 Preview: (1A) #4 South Hamilton vs. South Hardin

The South Hamilton Hawks have never had higher expectations and prognostications than they do coming into the 2023 season-opener against rival-South Hardin. South Hamilton extracted some revenge on the Tigers last season with a 44-13 win, a year after South Hardin created controversy by burning a picture of South Hamilton’s 2020 squad after their 20-6 win in 2021. The Hawks enter with a 6-6 record all-time against the Tigers.

South Hardin will be looking to replace some key pieces to their playoff team a season ago, including the trip of quarterback Josh Vander Wilt, running back Kayne Harrell and receiver Ryan Walters. Sophomore Peyton Welch appears to be in-line to take over the quarterback spot, while Jaxson Drury will take over full-time running back duties, after rushing for over 250 yards and 2 touchdowns last season. The receiving core will be headlined by senior Ethan Klendworth and rising sophomore Bo Starr. The Tigers do return some size up front in seniors Coy Raska and Caden Steding, as well as junior Daniel Doland and Preston Dolash.

Defensively, the Tigers return top tackler Logan Faris, who amassed 53 tackles, with 4 sacks and 8 tackles for loss. Sean May also brings back mass tackling production, while Jaxson Drury is poised for a big season as a junior. The defensive line will have size with the likes of Caden Steding, Coy and Owen Raska and Daniel Dolan as well. Juniors Dax Thompson and Traven Wheeler will step into bigger roles in the defensive backfield, as well as fellow sophomore Bo Starr.

South Hamilton has one of the top returning rushing attacks in the state, bringing back 700+ yard rushers Noah Gunderson and Nick Seversieke. Sophomore running back Kolby Hodnefield could be in for a breakout season, offensively, and quarterback Tjerdan Johnson will have his top target, tight end Owen Renaud, at his disposal. Renaud headlines a veteran and experienced offensive line, including the likes of Kaden Schwandt, Owen Duns and Carter Stolee.

Defensively, the Hawks are spearheaded by an elite front seven, headlined by defensive end Owen Renaud, who tallied 7 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 2022. The defensive line also brings back key contributors in Owen Duns and Kaden Schwandt, while the linebacking core of Gunderson, Johnson, Stolee and Van De Pol has a chance to be one of the best in Class 1A. The defensive backfield returns cornerbacks Landen Greufe and Kolby Hodnefield, while the Hawks search for a replacement for Teagan Trask at safety.

Kickoff between the Hawks and Tigers will be at 7 PM on Friday, August 25th at Bill Taylor Field in Jewell.