HILLDALE HORNETS
Coach: DAVID BLEVINS
7-5
OFFENSE
The changing face of high school sports and its relaxed transfer rules are showing up in an unpleasant way for coach David Blevins and the Hilldale Hornets as they prepare to go into the 2025 season. What looked like would be a breakout year for returning talent at Hilldale after a second-round playoff season in 2024 has hit a speedbump with the transfer of some key players. “The new rules are changing the face of high school football, and I hate it,” said Blevins.” You can see in college that transfer is the new deal and staying at your high school and playing with your buddies is not always what happens.” The losses leave the Hornets with just four part- or full-time starters on offense. VYPE TOP 100 pick Dawson Fields will return to quarterback the Hornets after a junior year that saw him pass for 1250 yards and 15 touchdowns. Blake Johnson (5-9, 175, Sr.) who had nearly 600 yards rushing last year, will take on the main running back duties from the graduated Gage Rowland with sophomore Zander Markovics also expected to get some carries. Chastin Murray (5-9, 275, Sr.) returns to the O-line where he’ll be joined by Tye Gaither (6-6, 275, Jr.) and Bryce Chartney (5-9, 165, Sr.).Kamden Coppin will be looked at for running back and Robert Campbell (6-1, 200, Sr.) will be a tight end where he alternated with Parker Ireland last year.
DEFENSE
There’s a little more experience returning on defense for the Hornets with Harry Williams (6-2, 215, Sr.) moving from linebacker to the D-line. Linebacker looks like a solid spot for Hilldale with Brayson Parker (5-10, 210, Sr.) who was hurt most of last year, Jaden Bishop and Brason Jones (6-0, 210, Sr.) all of whom saw at least some action last year returning. The secondary also features some experience with the return of Aidyn Lindquist (5-10, 165, Sr.), a VYPE TOP 100 nominee at a safety spot. “Aidyn plays safety, wide receiver and does out punting and he made some big plays for us on special teams last year,” said Blevins. Chartney returns at cornerback and junior twins Isaiah and Elijah Linker should see action on both sides of the ball. “We had a team camp the other day and I was really pleased with how our kids played. It wasn’t perfect but, man, their effort was outstanding. I think these kids feel like they have the opportunity to prove they can get the job done and put aside the doubts people have about the kids we lost,” said Blevins.
SCHEDULE
9-5 – vs. Tulsa Edison
9-12 – at Fort Gibson
9-19 – vs. Claremore
9-26 – at Sallisaw
10-3 – vs. Glenpool
10-10 – at Ada
10-16 – vs. Broken Bow
10-24 – at Stilwell
10-31 – vs. Poteau
11-7 – at Tulsa McLain
