HILLDALE HORNETS
Coach: DAVID BLEVINS
2023 RECORD: 5-5
OFFENSE
The Hilldale Hornets made the most of a young roster in 2023 to post a 5-5 record with just one returning starter. And now all ofthose young bucks are back as 10 experienced players, setting the stage for what looks like a promising year for the Hornets.
“I’m excited for this season since we return a lot of guys who played some big minutes for us last fall,” said coach David Blevins.
The emergence of Talon Schaffer, who took over the quarterbacking spot last year after starter Dawson Fields was injured, will enable the Hornets to move Fields to wide receiver this year. The running duties will again be shared by Gage Roland (5-10, 205 Sr.) who carried the mail for 746 yards in 2023 and also passed for a touchdown and had five pass receptions and Blake Johnson (5-9,180, Jr.) who had five touchdowns running and passing. The line is anchored by a pair of talented players in Cash Schiller (5-9, 250, Sr.) who is also a state powerlifting champ and the Hornets kicker who converted 7-of-10 field goals along with Mason Forhan (6-0, 255, Sr.) who led the team in pancake blocks. The receiving corps will feature Brady Scott (5-9, 160, Jr.), Parker Ireland (6-5, 205, Sr.) the big tight end and Fields.
DEFENSE
Hilldale’s 3-4 defense is anchored up front at the end positions by Schiller and Forhan who led the team in tackles last year with 78 including 13 for loss along with six sacks and Kaden Ford (6-0, 280, So.) at nose guard.
“Kaden played both ways for us last year as a freshman and has had a great offseason. He could be the best nose guard in the class of ’27,” said Blevins.
If the opponents manage to get by those three, linebackers Brason Parker (5-10, 200, So.) who had 66 tackles, 10 of those for loss last season and Dawk Jackson (6-2, 185, Sr.) will be there to stop them. Blevins and his staff are scrambling to fill a hole left by the summertime knee injury to returning defensive back Cole Marshall (6-2, 180, Sr.) who they hope might return late in the season. Add in a team player like two-way starter senior Ty Wilson and 2024 could be a good one for the Hornets.
SCHEDULE
9-6 – at Tulsa Edison
9-13 – vs. Fort Gibson
9-20 – at Claremore
9-27 – vs. Sallisaw
10-4 – at Glenpool
10-11 – vs. Ada
10-17 – at Broken Bow
10-25 – vs. Stilwell
11-1 – at Poteau
11-8 – vs. Tulsa McLain
