The Hawkeyes finished the previous campaign with a 2‑7 record under head coach Zach Harbison, a season marked by narrow defeats that left the squad feeling both frustrated and hopeful. Two of those losses were decided by missed two‑point conversions, including an overtime heartbreak against Grand Rapids Christian, while a 42‑7 drubbing at the hands of Spring Lake stood as the only game that felt out of reach.
Close contests that slipped away
Every other game was decided by a handful of points, illustrating a team that could compete with the best but faltered in the final minutes. The near‑misses suggested that a few strategic adjustments in the fourth quarter could have turned a 2‑7 slate into a 6‑3 record good enough for a playoff berth.
Harbison’s play‑calling philosophy has always leaned toward aggressive, trust‑building decisions. He frequently opts for fourth‑down attempts and two‑point conversions, a reflection of his confidence in his players and a willingness to let them decide games on their own terms.
A new era of leadership
The departure of Hudsen Hulst, the former quarterback and key defensive back, leaves a void in the locker room. Hulst’s leadership was a cornerstone of the team’s identity, and the Hawkeyes now look to a new figure to fill that role. Brooks Hawkins, an all‑conference and all‑region running back celebrated for his speed and ability to pierce defenses, has emerged as the primary candidate to shoulder that responsibility.
Hawkins’ emergence is more than a statistical upgrade; it represents a continuity of the team’s elite rushing attack that was a hallmark of last season’s performance. Replicating that ground game will be essential if the Hawkeyes hope to translate close games into victories and secure a playoff spot.
With a blend of bold coaching, a refreshed leadership core, and a renewed commitment to its rushing identity, Hamilton High School’s football program is poised to turn the lessons of a 2‑7 season into a competitive push for postseason play. The early signs suggest that the Hawkeyes are ready to capitalize on the potential that narrowly slipped away a year ago.