2024 Preview: Hanahan Hawks

When you look at Hanahan's 2023 season, you could see the confidence growing by the week. The Hawks started the season with a 2-4 record but three of those losses came by a combined eight points. They were breaking in a new sophomore quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='1165104' first='Julius' last='Hippenstiel'] and trying to find their footing.   That happened when they went through the region unblemished with key wins over Philip Simmons and Beaufort. They eventually finished 7-5 with a close second round Class AAA playoff loss to Gilbert. Hanahan hopes that late season momentum carries over to the season.   “We got better once region play started,” assistant head coach and offensive line coach Zach Evans said. “We were figuring it out early in the season and started 2-4 with three of those losses by a combined eight points. Hippenstiel played better as the season went on and that carried over to the rest of the team.”   Hippenstiel is firmly entrenched as the starter after throwing for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. But the Hawks will be without 2,000-yard rusher Kevon Rivera, who graduated this spring. But there are pieces in place.   [player_tooltip player_id='1359150' first='Dru' last='Goldsmith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1732659' first='Bo' last='Brabham'] return at receiver with [player_tooltip player_id='1359220' first='Antwain' last='Mitchell'] and Kalani Roberts returning up front. Kam Raymond is another guy that will play up front. The biggest question mark is who will replace the production of Rivera. It will likely be a mix of Isaiah Snodgrass or Javatre Shepard.     Defensively, Hanahan will be strong up front with Mitchell and Roberts also playing along the defensive line. CJ Vanhoy is another defensive lineman that will be counted on. The secondary is strong with Tijai Hartwell and Takota Stephens back to join Goldsmith and Shepard.   But even with that experience, the Hawks will have to count on some of the younger guys to play key roles. That is where the senior leadership has stepped in.   “We have a lot of younger guys coming onto the team now so it's about teaching them the ropes and showing them the techniques,” Vanhoy said. “We just have to bring them along to be ready.”   STARS SET TO SHINE   [player_tooltip player_id='1165104' first='Julius' last='Hippenstiel'] QB, 2026 – The good news is the Hawks have a proven commodity at quarterback. Hippenstiel burst onto the scene with over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns as a sophomore and those numbers could rise this season. Hippenstiel can make all the throws and will have a solid offensive line to protect him.   Tijai Hartwell DB, 2025 – Hartwell is the leading returning tackler with 57 and is solid in coverage as evidence of his 11 pass breakups from a season ago. The Hawks have experience on defense, but they will need Hartwell to become one of the leaders with the top three tacklers gone from last season. He reads and reacts well.   Kalani Roberts DL/OL, 2025 – Roberts (pictured) is one of a couple of two-way players for the Hawks. He plays on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and does so well. He's a solid straight-ahead blocker and can pass protect well. He was credited with over 40 tackles last season and will be a force up front again in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='1359220' first='Antwain' last='Mitchell'] DL/OL, 2025 – Another two-way player, Mitchell led the team in sacks with four and tackles 40 tackles as well. He plays with his hand in the dirt on defense but can do so from the inside or outside. He has a high motor and can beat opposing offensive linemen with his speed. He also can overpower when needed.   FILM REVIEW   [player_tooltip player_id='1359150' first='Dru' last='Goldsmith'] WR, 2025 – Goldsmith the leading receiver from last season and he and Hippensteel developed a solid connection. He can turn a short route into a big gain or beat defenders deep. He uses his hands well and makes catches in traffic when needed. Great leaping ability makes him play a little bigger than his frame.    BIGGEST LOSS(es)   Kevon Rivera RB – The Hawks battering ram rushed for over 2,000 yards last season and added over 30 touchdowns. He was the bulk of the rushing attack, so someone must step up in a big way to take over that role.   Jay Meadows LB – Meadows was the leading tackler for the Hawks and was one of the quarterbacks of the defense. His production and leadership will be difficult to replace.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   Kam Raymond OL, 2026 – Raymond is raw and developing but will be a key part of both the offensive and defensive lines. He's 6-foot-2, 270 pounds and uses his hands well. His development will be important to depth and ability to run guys in and out. Very athletic for his size.   TaKota Stephens DB, 2026 – Stephens played more and more as a sophomore, and he will be counted on to be a huge part of the secondary in 2024. He is not afraid of contact and provides solid run support as well coverage.          Shepard might be asked to do a little bit of everything this fall. He will likely see time at running back, wide receiver and defensive back. Someone needs to step up to replace the rushing numbers of Rivera and Shepard might get the first crack at it. Wherever he settles in, expect to see Shepard becoming a large part of the Hawks attack this season.

When you look at Hanahan's 2023 season, you could see the confidence growing by the week. The Hawks started the season with a 2-4 record but three of those losses came by a combined eight points. They were breaking in a new sophomore quarterback in Julius Hippenstiel Julius Hippenstiel 5'10" | 175 lbs | ATH Hanahan | 2026 SC and trying to find their footing.