“Tumultuous” might be the right word to describe the 2025 football season for the Hilldale Hornets.

It started in the spring and over the summer with several players electing to transfer including quarterback Dawson Fields, running back/receiver Brady Scott, defensive lineman Kaiden Ford and linebacker Kristopher Gonzalez. Fields and Scott eventually made their way back to the Hornets and helped lead them to a 5-6 record and a spot in the playoffs when it looked bleak for Hilldale in pre-season.

Fields passed 2230 yards and 12 touchdowns, and Scott had over 1500 yards rushing and receiving.

But it was another offensive figure that spelled a difference for the Hornets according to coach David Blevins.

“Bryce Chartney’s emergence was really big for us,” said the veteran Hornet boss. “He had over 800 yards rushing which really complemented the work of Dawson and Brady.”

Even with its two standout players back in the fold, things started off slowly for the Hornets, going 1-3 early on and later being 1-3 in district play. But then the Hornets won three games in a row down the stretch including a key win over Poteau to advance to the playoffs.

“I was really proud of the way we finished the regular season,” said Blevens. “It would have been pretty easy to just throw in the towel before those last three games, but these guys really showed some leadership and helped overcome a lot of injuries to make it to the playoffs.”

The Hornets had several players named to the All-District team for 2025 including Fields, Chartney, tight end Robert Campbell, linebacker Brayson Parker, and linemen Kamden Coppin and Chastin Murry.

WAY TO OVERCOME ADVERSITY AND HAVE A GREAT   

                                  SEASON HORNETS