Hernando County Hawks faced Bay Area Reapers at home at Hernando High School on Saturday, March 4, 2023. It was their first regular season home game. A good battle between teams, but the Reapers got the win with a score of 25-14.
Comments from Coaches and Players:
Hawks’ Head Coach Eric Riggins Sr.: I would say from our pre-season to week two, we have seen a lot of growth in our very young team. This team has shown a lot of grit and toughness, with a no-QUIT attitude!! It’s still early in the season, and I’m glad we still have time to continue to gel together because this is a group of men that have never played together before. Chemistry is a big deal when talking offensively, so we’re still trying to get this part of it on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively we’re coming together pretty well, just have to eliminate the big plays on that side. Overall I like the direction we’re going as a football team & organization! Every week we have to keep getting better as a football Team!!
Bay Area Reapers Head Coach Scott Mirto: Having been around this level for 20 years, the Hawks are on their way to doing great things. They had a beautiful facility with amenities teams that have been around 10 plus years don’t. From top to bottom, their staff and players were class personified. Fought extremely hard and played a clean game regardless of the score. The organization does not look in ANY way a first-year organization, and it was a pleasure to share the field with them. Wish the Hawks nothing but the best going forward and look toward a safe and healthy season for them.
Captain Markus Hedgepeth: We didn’t play up to our potential in the first half. Our halftime adjustments, I think we came out and showed we are a talented team just have to put it together in all three phases in all four quarters.
Player Antwaune Mims: Olay Olay scored my first down for the Hernando Hawks last game. Overwhelmed with joy with this team and can’t wait to get back in the end zone; Olay, Olay, Olay!
Captain Elijah Leon: When it comes to the game, it’s about developing a culture. I’m not worried about the scoreboard. If we stick with each other and play with a next-play mentality, the scoreboard will start tilting in our favor.
Player Darian Maternowski #6 made the first sack of the game Saturday against the Reapers.
Coach Fabian Burnett: Offense was kind of flat in the first half. The more positive drives offensively were negated from penalties that, in my opinion, were one-sided and could have gone as 50/50 no calls!! Hernando Hawks never established our running game, with our longest run of 18 yards coming from starting quarterback Jordan Wright! The passing game woke up with athlete Christopher Ferguson connecting with Brian Haygood on a 60-yard TD reception. Haygood led in receiving with 105 receiving yards and displayed his lightning speed! The offense was able to click and convert 3rd downs better in the 2nd half. The offense still produced approximately 300 total yards. We are pleased with The Hernando Hawks thriving and growing together as a 1st-year program, and the best is yet to come. We agree Rome was not built in a day!!!!
