By Cory Sparks, Sports Editor
Indian Trail High School & Academy football has grinded out a strong start to this year, as they’ve posted a 5-1 record in conference thus far and a 5-3 record overall.
Among the Hawks’ recent wins are a blowout win against the Tremper Trojans (34-6), and a huge upset against the Oak Creek Knights (13-6). Up until Oak Creek played Indian Trail, their only loss was against the Franklin Sabers who are currently 8-0 and ranked third in the entire state.
Indian Trail’s recent success can be owed to multiple spots in which the Hawks have shown a ton of growth.
“Honestly, it’s been the team’s heart. We haven’t given up in any of our games so far and that’s what keeps us rolling,” said Jaylen Grant, starting varsity running back. “Our defense has helped us out on offense tremendously by holding off the other teams while we figure out what’s working on the offensive side of the ball.”
However, along with the highs that the Hawks have experienced this year, there were numerous speed bumps along the road as well. They allowed a combined 82 points in two games to start the season, along with a brutal homecoming game loss to Franklin by a score of 55-14.
“We are still chasing our perfect game,” explained Coach Paul Hoffman. “We work on it every week. We know that the first opponent is always ourselves. Also, it’s the only thing we control, so we work on getting ourselves better.”
These self-inflicted struggles have bit the Hawks, but they know precisely what they must focus on to transform this acknowledgement of fauts into success.
“Right now I think our offense is struggling to finish drives,” said Grant. “We do pretty good at moving the ball down the field but can’t get to the end zone like we should be.”
Seeing that their fourth win solidified a spot in this year’s playoffs quite early
in the season, the Hawks are showing remnants of the explosive team in 2013-2014, where Zach Gianakos lead the team to an 8-2 record as the Hawks nearly advanced past the second round against Franklin.
“I think we’re just about ready to prove everyone wrong about us,” said Grant.
As for what’s ahead, the Hawks look to advance to their first second round match since that magical run in 2013.
“We’ve been performing well this year but still have a lot to prove to ourselves and everyone else,” said Grant.
Grant has also been one of the key components, as he racked up four touchdowns in a win against Racine Case High School along with nine total touchdowns throughout the whole season.
The Hawks look to carry this momentum into the playoffs, as they’re on pace for a promising season behind some strong leaders this year.