By Chris Parker
Hillcrest enters the third season under head coach Keenan Ganz coming off a second consecutive 2-9 record.
Ganz has seen marked improvement throughout the program since taking over in the 2023 season.
“I believe we have improved in many areas on and off the field that have not been reflected in the win-loss column,” Ganz said. “Our training has developed tremendously, summer attendance has doubled since year one, and our scheme understanding continues to improve each season. We need to respond to adversity better. When we start doing that, we will get the results we want.”
The Hornets must replace a decorated senior class that included seven all-conference players.
“We are very young at a lot of positions with many juniors and sophomores playing and a couple of our experienced seniors have made position changes,” Ganz said. “We have some seniors playing important roles like (Braxton) Tindle at quarterback and (Kipper) Brandenburg and (Gunnar) Sanchez bookending our defensive line, but most of the contributions will come from juniors and sophomores.”
The offense returns three starters including the aforementioned Tindle.
“We are a run first, spread offense, and I believe that will continue to be the identity this year,” Ganz said. “We have several small fast players that we will get the ball to in space.”
Tindle threw for 1,020 yards and four touchdowns with 122 carries for 495 yards and two touchdowns on the ground last season. He also had 23 catches for 253 yards and a touchdown making Tindle the leading returning passer, rusher and receiver for the Hornets.
“Braxton made improvements at quarterback every week last season and that continued throughout the summer,” Ganz said. “He has become comfortable in our offense and operates at a higher level than last season. If the offensive line comes together, I think Braxton will have a breakout season as a dual threat quarterback.”
Cornelius Nolan and Clayton Gott are the other two returning starters on the offensive line.
Clayton Ehorn, Rylan Wilson, Josh Jefferson, Will Vernor, and Joseph Barr will all see time at either tight end or wide receiver.
Xavier Garnett and Brandon Gunn will be in the backfield at running back.
Sanchez is moving from tight end to offensive line. Michel VanBeek will also be moving into a starting role on the offensive line with the fifth spot to be decided.
Speed will be key on defense where three starters return.
“As a whole, we are faster than we have been the last couple of years,” Ganz said. “However, we are undersized at some positions. Leveraging our speed on defense will be something we hang our hat on.”
Free safety Ben Jerboh joins Brandenburg and Sanchez as the returning defensive starters.
Nolan, VanBeek and others will rotate in on the defensive line while Brandenburg and Sanchez serve as the anchors of the unit.
Look for Barr and Cameron Watts at linebacker along with Jerboh who moves down to the middle of the defense. Barr has stepped up as a leader in the offseason.
“Joe has taken over the leadership role on the team,” Ganz said. “He is a relentless competitor in practice and is blessed with speed and athleticism. He will play tight end and Mike linebacker for us this season. He has the ability to fill up the stat sheet at linebacker. He can blitz, fit the run, and cover well at linebacker. His speed and relentless effort will get him to the ball on almost every play.”
The secondary will feature Keyon Clay, Gunn, Josh Jefferson, Talon Wells and Rylan Wilson.
Clay has shown he is ready to compete at the varsity level as a sophomore.
“Keyon is an undersized sophomore, but he is very quick and fast,” Ganz said. “His greatest assets are his instincts and a high football IQ. Keyon makes his way to the ball all the time on defense because he can diagnose a play and take a proper angle to the ball. He could start at all four of our defensive back positions but will likely play strong safety.”
Hillcrest will attend a jamboree at Central with the host Bulldogs, Logan-Rogersville and Strafford on Aug. 22. They will host Central to open the season on Aug. 29.
“I will consider this season a success if we commit to a process-oriented approach and continue to grow and develop throughout the season,” Ganz said.
