As the 2016 season approached, all the attention in District 6-1A seemed to be on favorites Fort White and Union County, and rightfully so.
The two playoff spots came down to the final week of district play, with Fort White pounding Hawthorne 40-18 to wrap up the district title and making Union County the runner-up. A Hawthorne win could have created a three-way tiebreaker for the two playoff spots.
While media and fans talk about Fort White and Union County, teams like Hilliard, Hawthorne and Baldwin are left saying ‘what about us?’
Despite being 4-6 last season, Hilliard was four points from being in the potential playoff mix.
Hilliard enters the season looking to sneak up on its 6-1A opponents and potentially steal its first playoff spot since 2014.
If that is to happen, it will be likely be behind leader Armani Scott (Sr., RB), who ran for 1615 yards and 10 touchdowns on 265 carries.
Matt Holland (Sr., OL) and Brandon Wilkes (Sr., OL) are back again to pave the way for Scott, so Scott should have another huge year.
The defense took a blow with the loss of departing senior Anthony Johnson, who accounted for 120 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Finding out who is going to replace him and step up and take on that leadership role will be a big priority.
Hilliard Red Flashes
Flashes Look to Sneak Up On Opponents
Written by Corey Davis
Photo by staugustine.com
