Hickory Hornets
Coach: Frank Antuono
2008 Overall record: 3-6
2008 Region record (place): 2-5 (sixth place, Region 3)
Playoff results: Did not make the playoffs
Top players lost: OL/DE Zach Miramontes, TE/LB Joey Manilla, G/DT Brad Hayes, QB Ryan Voisey, RB/DB Andrew Walker, FB/LB Evan Anzio
Top players returning: SE/DB Elrico Jones, RB/CB Sam Hosey, QB/LB Ryan Hayes
Key games: Oct. 9 vs. Grove City, Nov. 6 at Sharon
Outlook: Hickory had only three wins last year and the Hornets lost a lot of talent on both sides of the football. Hickory sported two first-team all-Region 3 players in Zach Miramontes on the offensive line and Joey Manilla at linebacker. They also lost second-team all-region defensive lineman Brad Hayes and the team’s quarterback, Ryan Voisey, to graduation. But there is reason for hope for the Hornets. Voisey’s top target last season, Elrico Jones, is back. He caught 33 passes for 589 yards last season and hauled in six touchdown catches. No one else on Hickory’s team caught a touchdown pass last season. The Hornets’ leading rusher returns too. Ryan Hayes ran for 255 yards and five touchdowns. Sam Hosey also carried a bit of the load, ranking second on the team in carries behind Hayes. The talent could be there for Hickory to improve on its three-win campaign last season. There was a stretch last year when the Hornets lost five straight games. If someone can step up to replace Voisey at quarterback and get Jones the ball, Hickory could find success. Their balanced attack could be back next season and the Hornets might have the weapons at the skill positions to get the job done.
Schedule
September
5 at Sharpsville 7
12 Titusville* 7
18 at Slippery Rock* 7
October
2 at Wilmington* 7
9 Grove City 7
16 at Greenville* 7
23 at Reynolds* 7
31 Oil City* 7
November
6 Sharon* 7
* Region 3 game
Thursday: Region 3: Oil City
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