The 2023 season was another banner year in a recent run of dominance for the South Hamilton Hawks football program. A district champion for the 3rd time in 4 years, a top 5 rushing offense in all of Iowa, and another year of punishing, physical football.
Paul Skartvedt and company have kept in place a winning formula that has dated back to Corey Klemp’s installation of this process which began all the way back in 2015. Despite big losses due to graduation, the Hawks intend to reload and make a run at a 3rd straight district title.
Offense
South Hamilton’s wishbone attack has become a staple for the program, having now finished in the top 10 in Iowa in rushing the last 2 seasons. The Hawks do bring back their running backs in leading rusher Nick Severseike and second-leading rusher Kolby Hodnefield to spearhead a rushing attack that is sure to be prolific again. There will be new backfield pieces as Braden Young steps into the full-time QB role after being used as an occasional spell for Tjerdan Johnson. Young does bring an explosiveness on the ground to the QB position, and the fullback spot is currently a battle between senior Ashton Williams and junior Jose Babcock, who very well could share reps throughout the season. The biggest question mark for the Hawks will be upfront, who return just 2 starters on the offensive line in senior tackle Brock Zorn and senior tight end Landon Sogard. Players looking to fill the gaps of the offensive line include senior Connor Deppe, junior Parker Stuck, junior Gaige Willis, sophomore Davien Henderson and sophomore Liam Ealy.
Defense
South Hamilton’s heartbeat in 2023 was it’s stout front seven, comprised of 6 seniors. Ashton Williams is the only player back of those starters in the front seven, as Williams finished 2023 with 36 tackles, 4.5 TFL and a sack. The defensive line will see a brand new front four, with Brock Zorn the leading returning tackler with 7.5. Expect players such as Parker Stuck, Titus Herrick, Gaige Willis and Connor Deppe to fill in those roles. Landon Sogard or Jose Babcock is poised to join Ashton Williams in the linebacking core, while Braden Young or Kolby Hodnefield could make move up to the linebacking core. The defensive backfield is one with much experience as whoever stays between Hodnefield and Young will be joined by Nick Severseike, while someone such as Kaden Dean or Ryan Oskvig could step into the fold.