PRZVA Team Preview: Herndon Hornets

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use code&nbsp;<strong>frederick30</strong>&nbsp;for 30% off your first billing cycle for all annual subscription</em>&nbsp;<em>options</em>***</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Last Years Result:</strong> 8-4 (Fell to James Madison in Region D Semifinals Class 6 Playoffs)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was been quite the turnaround over at Herndon with Head Coach William Bachman at the helm. Since taking over before the 2022 season Coach Bachman has changed the culture for the Hornets. Not only did he help end their losing streak, he has lead Herndon back into the playoffs both seasons. His team has progressed each year will year three be the time the Hornets take the next step?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key-Returnees:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1231251' first='Brayden' last='Humpherys'], [player_tooltip player_id='1322235' first='Logan' last='Lopez'], [player_tooltip player_id='1231526' first='Johnny' last='Callow'], [player_tooltip player_id='1231596' first='Ethan' last='Buhler'], [player_tooltip player_id='1232886' first='John' last='Costello'], [player_tooltip player_id='1231626' first='Alec' last='Beach'], [player_tooltip player_id='1231325' first='Noah' last='Martin'], [player_tooltip player_id='1233491' first='Thomas' last='Quinn'], Khaleel Gulay, [player_tooltip player_id='1233481' first='Malcolm' last='Levenberry'], [player_tooltip player_id='1360090' first='Ryan' last='Savage']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1231251"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66afdfd1c8764"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Safety/receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1231251' first='Brayden' last='Humpherys'] played liked a man possessed in his junior season. Second team all-state selection has lead Humpherys to division 1 coaches interest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>VMI, UPENN and Cornell are among the small handful of offers he has so far, he will be a FBS level football player. We talked about him on defense previously, expect his impact felt more on offense in 2024 also.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="[player_tooltip player_id='1231251' first='Brayden' last='Humpherys'] HUDL">[player_tooltip player_id='1231251' first='Brayden' last='Humpherys'] HUDL</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1322235"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66afdfd1c87d1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the best kickers in the state will kick at the next level believe me on that take. [player_tooltip player_id='1322235' first='Logan' last='Lopez'] had an outstanding junior season, with my colleague Cole breakdown below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Logan is a kicking specialist to watch in 2024. He has very good leg strength and accuracy on kickoffs, forcing touchbacks on 76% of his kicks. He has good accuracy and bounce on his punts. He was 100% in PATs this past season while going 6/9 on field goals. He was named 1st Team All-Liberty District kicker, and 2nd Team All-Region kicker, and has already started <a href="https://twitter.com/Logans_lopez16/status/1737927981924798588">training</a> this offseason.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1231526"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66afdfd1c8817"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1231526' first='Johnny' last='Callow'] has been the starting quarterback the past two seasons helping lead the Hornets incredible turnaround. Very fun player to watch at 6'1 and 185 lbs.. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He throws a pretty deep ball and seems very poised in the pocket. On the move he is good too, when taking off on any qb keeper he runs like a locomotive. Underrated talent who lead the Hornets to their first playoff win close to 40 years!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JohnCallow14/status/1729255959514517949","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JohnCallow14/status/1729255959514517949 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1231596"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66afdfd1c885d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Second Team All region selection slot back [player_tooltip player_id='1231596' first='Ethan' last='Buhler'] is back and this dude makes plays. The Hornets have a high-powered offense, it seems often that when they need a big play the ball is finding Buhler. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is explosive after the catch and has a tremendous repo ire for Callow at quarterback. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ethan_buhler/status/1729253065797087498","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ethan_buhler/status/1729253065797087498 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1232886"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66afdfd1c88a4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another all region returning starter is running back [player_tooltip player_id='1232886' first='John' last='Costello']. It is a lot of fun to watch Herndon's offense the way Coach Bachman finds ways to get the ball to his playmakers. Costello is a bull moose running the football and has good speed and hands out of the backfield. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="[player_tooltip player_id='1232886' first='John' last='Costello'] HUDL">[player_tooltip player_id='1232886' first='John' last='Costello'] HUDL</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1231626"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66afdfd1c88e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1231626' first='Alec' last='Beach'] sets the edge for the Hornets defense, he is a fierce pass rusher. He has gotten bigger in the off-season too at 6'2 and 215 lbs.. and was second team all Liberty district a year ago.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He really does a nice job as defensive/outside linebacker, poised to get division 2 schools to come calling his way soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Alecb9001/status/1724086493528961399","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Alecb9001/status/1724086493528961399 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1231325"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66afdfd1c8929"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Defensive Back [player_tooltip player_id='1231325' first='Noah' last='Martin'] is a number 1 corner and looks like the type of db you send to follow your opponents top receiver around. He has a great break to the football, setting his feet and going for the interception. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martin forms a stout secondary for Herndon that could have three starters playing college football in 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="[player_tooltip player_id='1231325' first='Noah' last='Martin'] HUDL">[player_tooltip player_id='1231325' first='Noah' last='Martin'] HUDL</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key-Newcomers:</strong> Angelo Pepe, [player_tooltip player_id='1233197' first='Sebastian' last='Kasper'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297898' first='Nana' last='Appouh']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1297898"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66afdfd1c8969"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Remember this name [player_tooltip player_id='1297898' first='Nana' last='Appouh'] Coach Bachman had him circled when I asked for key newcomers. Playing a lot as a sophomore Appouh is big man to handle up front. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At defensive end or tackle he is a problem to block 1 on 1. One of top ranked defensive lineman in his class, Appouh is 6'4 and 215 lbs.. Playing alongside will give him more 1v1 matchups and Appouh could lead the Liberty district in sacks this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="[player_tooltip player_id='1297898' first='Nana' last='Appouh'] HUDL">[player_tooltip player_id='1297898' first='Nana' last='Appouh'] HUDL</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach thoughts on the off-season:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>“We are in the midst of trying to build a program. After breaking a 28 game losing streak in 2022, we have won 14 games over the past two years. We have a ton of work to do to build on that progress. Our kids have done a good job so far preparing for a very challenging schedule. If we focus on taking it a day at a time in August, and getting better every day, we will put ourselves in position to play well and compete every Friday night. "</em> Head Coach William Bachman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Season Outlook:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Admittedly I was not aware of Herndon's losing streak or honestly how bad it had become over there before Coach Bachman arrived. Since he took over the Hornets have not looked back and now in year 3 for Coach they have a good chance to go even further. Returning several starters on both sides of the ball, Herndon looks poised for a Region Championship. A big matchup week 4 against South Lakes is must watch football, the Hornets know what is in front of them. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->