The South Hamilton Hawks football team returns to action on Friday night, as they host the Sailors of Waterloo Columbus Catholic at Bill Taylor Field in Jewell, for the 2nd round of the Class 1A Playoffs. South Hamilton enters at 8-1 and 5-0 in their district, while Columbus Catholic enters at 7-2 and 4-1 out of District 4.
2023 marks the 5th consecutive season of a playoff appearance for the Sailors, as they’ve won 6 or more games for the past 6 seasons. The Sailors showcase a balanced offensive attack, throwing for 1,745 yards through the air, while rushing for 1,744 yards. Senior quarterback Carter Lockert directs the Columbus Catholic attack, throwing for 1,684 yards and 24 touchdowns, completing nearly 72% of his passes and has only thrown 4 picks. Lockert’s been able to spread the wealth, but his top target has been senior tight end Nick Merrifield, who’s caught 40 passes for 596 yards and 9 touchdowns. Myles Gardner has also put up good numbers in the passing game, catching 38 balls for 533 yards and 8 touchdowns on the year. Fellow seniors Thomas Steele, Parker Kjeldsen and Nick Hagarty also have double digit receptions and touchdowns on the season as well. The ground attack has been just as effective, with senior back Parker Kjeldsen rushing for 1,376 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 152.8 yards per game.
The Sailors defense is highlighted by a salty front seven, led by senior defensive lineman Mason Knipp. Knipp has put together one of the best statistical season in Class 1A, leading the class in sacks (9) and tackles for loss (28). Fellow defensive linemen Andrew Robinson and Carter Seliger have each recorded 20+ tackles and a combined 2 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss. The linebacker core had also put up good numbers, led by senior Nick Merrifield, who has a team-high 39.5 tackles, with 6 tackles for loss, 5 sacks and 2 interceptions. Fellow linebacker Myles Gardner has amassed 30.5 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 2 picks, while Aiden Hosch has amassed 31.5 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and a pick 6. The defensive backfield for the Sailors has held serve throughout the year, led by senior Parker Kjeldsen, who leads the unit with 23.5 tackles and 2 interceptions, while senior Nick Hagarty has 15 tackles and an interception.
South Hamilton will have an advantage on Friday thanks to the forecasted weather, with 20+ mph winds and game-time temperatures around 40 degrees. The Hawks wishbone attack managed to still rush for 300+ yards against Denver in the 1st round, as Nick Severseike is a couple of yards off a 1,000 yard season. It will be important for strong-side back Kolby Hodnefield and fullback Noah Gunderson to be effective against a stout Columbus Catholic front 7. Defensively, after forcing 4 turnovers against Denver, the Sailors will present a challenge to stretch the field vertically against the Hawks.
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM from Bill Taylor Field in Jewell, and can be heard on 95.7 KQWC or online at kqradio.com.