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2010 HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN PREVIEW
POSTED: 6/15/10
By: Donnie Smith |
Preview of the 2010 season
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The Royals may still be searching for that elusive second state championship trophy but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a winning tradition already firmly in place.
Since 1973, Hamilton Southeastern has experienced just three losing seasons and only twice did it finish at .500. Think about that for a moment. That should equal out to 33 winning seasons. For those of you who follow the numbers game, the Royals are 273-82 over those 33 years which have included nine Sectional titles, four Regionals, three Semi State and the lone State Championship in 1981.
Perhaps more impressively is how the school and program has grown. When the Royals won it all in ’81 with a perfect 14-0 mark, they were in Class A. Now, with an enrollment of over 2,200, they are in 5A and always a tough out on Friday nights.
Coach Scott May is doing his part in keeping the winning tradition in tact. As he enters his fourth season with a 29-6 mark, the Manchester College graduate not only hopes to make it 17 consecutive seasons above .500, but go even deeper in the post season. This year’s team slogan is “Play 13” in hopes of winning a sectional for the first time since 2007.
Last year’s 10-2 finish included a thrilling opening game 7-6 win over Avon followed by a tough 10-6 loss at rival Fishers in week two. Nine consecutive victories followed until a 17-9 loss at eventual state runner-up Carmel in the sectional final concluded the run.
“Off season is where teams win games and we must have a big off season,’’ explained May. “I like what we have coming back on offense and defense but we must find some defensive backs, a kicker and overall depth to have a successful year.’’
Graduation did take a toll on the Royals lineup including grabbing leading rusher Matt Ripp who gained just over 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns. Also gone is three year starter Kevin Cook, an All-State honoree from the secondary and kicker Kris Dolinsky who recorded 22 touchbacks and finished 11-of-15 on field goals including a 54-yarder.
Seven starters return to the “I Multiple” offense led by junior quarterback Jake Jones who threw for just over 500 yards and six touchdowns a year ago. Senior fullback Brady Dearing also returns as well as wide outs Gary Harris (junior) and Aaron Hall (senior). Harris caught 18 passes for 312 yards and five scores last season.
The front line welcomes back senior Trevor Reece and junior Hayden Janney at guard and senior Matt Miller at tackle. Look for sophomore Ryan Ripp to add depth at running back after gaining 265 yards and scoring twice during his freshman season.
Just four starters return to the “50” defense led by senior tackles Randy Gregory and Earl Miles. Gregory earned All-State honors last season, recording 64 solo tackles and 15 quarterback sacks. Miles made All-Conference status with 23 solo tackles and three sacks.
All-Conference senior linebacker Steven Cremer also returns along with fellow senior linebacker David Cheslyn. Cremer recorded 42 solo tackles and assisted on 37 others while Cheslyn had 26 solos and 26 assists.
Newcomers to keep an eye on include seniors Adam Kim (DL) and Drew Stevenson (DB), juniors Robby Clements (OLB), Denver Kirschling (DL), Sean Clancy (TE) and Tyler Ochs (OL), and sophomores Alex Showalter (TE) and Ross Risley (QB).
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