Preseason Review Featuring Harlan Hawks

The Harlan Hawks are coming off one of their most impressive seasons in recent memory, finishing the 2024 campaign with a dominant 12-2 overall record and 7-1 in district play. Under the leadership of head coach Eddie Salas and defensive coordinator Mike Darr, the Hawks made a deep playoff run, showcasing a balanced and physical brand of football. Their only setbacks came against perennial powerhouse Brennan and a tough playoff loss to Vandegrift two respected programs in the state. Now heading into 2025, Harlan is looking to elevate even further, with a roster that's absolutely loaded on both sides of the ball. The Hawks aren't just trying to repeat last year's success they're aiming to raise the bar. Here are some key players to watch in the 2025-2026 season:   2025 Football Schedule (District games marked with *)   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>vs East Central</li>   <li>@ Madison</li>   <li>@ Brennan*</li>   <li>vs O'Connor*</li>   <li>@ Marshall*</li>   <li>vs Holmes*</li>   <li>@ Stevens*</li>   <li>vs Taft*</li>   <li>@ Warren*</li>   <li>vs Sotomayor*</li> </ul>    Aldric emerged as a steady leader under center for the Harlan Hawks in 2024, guiding his team deep into the playoffs with poise and command. He finished the season with 2,446 passing yards and 15 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to consistently move the chains and manage the game at a high level. Aldric is a rhythm passer with a smooth release, good field awareness, and the confidence to make throws at all three levels.   What stands out most is his composure he doesn't get rattled and delivers in pressure situations. With another offseason to develop, Aldric looks primed to take another leap in 2025 and cement himself as one of the more reliable signal callers in the region.     Givori is a dynamic playmaker out of the backfield with the kind of speed that can flip a game in an instant. He hits the hole with urgency and accelerates into the second level with ease, often turning short gains into explosive runs. Givori shows good vision, patience, and the ability to bounce runs outside when needed. He's also a threat in the passing game, making him a versatile weapon in Harlan's offense. With his big-play potential and continued growth, Givori is a name to watch closely heading into the 2025 season.     Marqez is a big time vertical threat with a rare combination of size and elite speed. At 6'3", he creates natural mismatches against smaller defensive backs, and once he gets into open space, he's nearly impossible to catch. His ability to stretch the field opens up the entire offense, and he's shown strong hands and the body control to adjust to deep balls in stride. Marqez is also dangerous after the catch, turning quick screens or slants into chunk plays. With his frame, athleticism, and home run speed, Marqez is set to be a major focal point for Harlan in 2025 and a nightmare for opposing secondaries.     Jordan is a tough, downhill runner who brings a physical edge to the Harlan backfield. He runs with purpose and doesn't shy away from contact, often falling forward and picking up extra yards after first contact.   What makes Jordan stand out is his balance through traffic and ability to finish runs strong. He's the type of back that wears down defenses over four quarters, and he brings a reliable presence in short yardage and red zone situations. As he continues to develop his vision and burst, Jordan is set to be a key contributor in Harlan's ground attack this upcoming season.     Taveion is a true athlete who brings value on both sides of the ball. As a cornerback, he's competitive, quick footed, and not afraid to get physical in coverage or in run support. He shows great instincts when reading the quarterback and breaks on the ball with confidence.   On offense, Taveion can slide in at running back and provide a spark with his quickness and vision. He's elusive in space and has the ability to turn limited touches into big gains. Whether it's locking down receivers or giving the offense a boost, Taveion's versatility and toughness make him an important piece of Harlan's 2025 plans.     Addon is a physical and instinctive strong safety who made his presence felt all over the field in 2024. He finished the season with 50 tackles, 27 assists, 10 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 3 pass breakups a stat line that speaks to his all-around impact.   Addon plays with a downhill mentality, showing no hesitation when filling lanes or coming up to stop the run. His ability to blitz off the edge adds an extra layer to the defense, and he's just as comfortable in coverage, breaking on passes and disrupting throwing windows.       Maddox is a tough, instinctive linebacker who plays with sideline to sideline range and a nose for the football. He reads plays quickly, reacts with urgency, and delivers clean, physical tackles.   Maddox excels at shedding blocks and finding the ball carrier, and his motor never stops he's always around the action. Whether he's plugging gaps in the run game or dropping into coverage, he brings reliability and intensity to the middle of Harlan's defense.     Robert is a downhill linebacker with a physical presence and a relentless mindset. He plays with strong instincts, quickly diagnosing plays and getting to the ball with purpose. Robert is a sure tackler who brings pop on contact, and he's effective at filling gaps and stopping the run. He also shows the ability to drop into coverage and hold his own in space, making him a well-rounded defender.     This defensive lineman brings a combination of strength, quickness, and technique that makes him a constant problem for opposing offenses. He has a strong first step off the ball and uses his hands well to disengage from blockers. Whether it's collapsing the pocket or stuffing the run, he plays with controlled aggression and a high motor. His versatility allows him to move across the line and make plays from multiple spots.     Jayson is an explosive defensive lineman who consistently plays with high energy and effort. He showcases a quick first step off the line, allowing him to penetrate gaps and disrupt plays early. His motor stands out he never gives up on a play and often chases down ball carriers from behind. Jayson plays with natural leverage and does a great job using his hands to disengage from blockers.    With a 12-2 season behind them and a deep playoff run to build on, the Harlan Hawks are entering 2025 with momentum, confidence, and a roster full of talent. Under the leadership of Coach Eddie Salas and Defensive Coordinator Mike Darr, this team isn't just aiming to repeat last year's success they're focused on finishing the job. With key returners on both sides of the ball and a culture built on discipline, speed, and physicality, the Hawks are poised to be one of the most dangerous teams in the region. Don't be surprised if Harlan makes another deep run this time with their eyes firmly set on a state title.

The Harlan Hawks are coming off one of their most impressive seasons in recent memory, finishing the 2024 campaign with a dominant 12-2 overall record and 7-1 in district play. Under the leadership of head coach Eddie Salas and defensive coordinator Mike Darr, the Hawks made a deep playoff run, showcasing a balanced and physical brand of football. Their only setbacks came against perennial powerhouse Brennan and a tough playoff loss to Vandegrift two respected programs in the state. Now heading into 2025, Harlan is looking to elevate even further, with a roster that's absolutely loaded on both sides of the ball. The Hawks aren't just trying to repeat last year's success they're aiming to raise the bar. Here are some key players to watch in the 2025-2026 season: