25 Teams in 25 Days: Hancock Hawks

The fourth school on News 25’s 25 Teams in 25 days won’t be sneaking up on anyone this season. In 2017, the Hawks burst onto the scene in a big way, securing what was just its second playoff berth in more than two decades.

Now, the Hawks are in shoulder pads for their first week of official practice and they seem ready to roll for an encore performance.

“They’re excited to see what this group can do. And we’ve talked about 2017 was great but that was 2017 and this is 2018 and what kind of legacy and what kind of mark are they going to be able to leave? And hopefully it’s a good one.”

If Neil Lollar’s first season at Hancock is any indication, the Hawks should have no problem making their connecting flight in year two. “Yeah, he’s been a huge part of this team. He’s been…the first year coming in we’re like alright, we’re adjusting to him. And now, now we’re in his second year, he is a whole part of our family and is a big help with us.”

“They want to make it not just a one-year thing, they want to set it up for us long-term. And I think the seniors in that locker room have talked about that. And I’m kind of proud of that to hear them talk like that.”

It’s a swagger that no one expected the Hawks to have at this same time last year, following back-to-back four-win seasons, but 2017 proved to be a magical run for the region 4 class 6A Cinderella as Hancock became the first team from the district to win a playoff game since 2014. “It’s a lot of pride that comes with it because most teams don’t look at Hancock as a team to be very powerful in football, and we come out and set our mark.”

That first-round triumph over Brandon was also its first home victory in the post-season since 1990. “That home playoff win, that was special.”

“Yeah, it was a really good experience getting to the second round of the playoffs. And having to work to get there was really the best experience with my teammates, and overall just an amazing experience.”

Hancock fell victim to the eventual 6A state champion Pearl Pirates in the second round and that’s where we find the Hawks at the start of 2018, ready to build off last year’s second place finish in region 4 even without the element of surprise. “2018, it’s a whole new season, a whole new team and I think we can pull off another championship if we’re ready for it.”