A great last game of the season

The outcome of the final game of this year’s Hackley Varsity football season signified what this team has become: a very dedicated group of athletes who combine hard work, intense focus, and unselfish teamwork to achieve success. This was Senior Day and most of the seniors had their hair cut in Mohawks, which seemed to reflect their team unity and overall sense of purpose. Their confidence was high all week and this group of Hackley Hornets was not going to be fooled into overconfidence.

Right from the opening kickoff which senior Chris Starr ran back 46 yards to the Kingswood Oxford 34 yard line, it was clear that this day was going to belong to the Hornets. The Hackley offense scored on their second and third possessions and the Hornet defense was stifling all day. On Kingswood’s first possession, sacks by Chris Starr and junior Conor McDermott set the tone and when senior captain Darnell Davis intercepted a Kingswood pass early in the second quarter and returned it for a touchdown, Hackley led 20-0 and the game was essentially over.

By halftime, it was clear that this game was going to be a “breather.” Coach Pickert had started to substitute players and had some of his starters changing positions, giving the team a new look. Senior Kojo Boateng was successfully inserted as a running back much to the delight of the team and the crowd. Later in the game, many of the JV entered the game giving fans a glimpse into Hackley’s football future, which looked just fine.

But this day belonged to the 2009 Varsity Football squad. Completing this very successful season with a 6 and 3 record, the team captains – Darnell, Steve DelMoro, and Jack Houghteling – led this team as they had all year. Sam Budlong combined poise at QB and a hefty leg at kicker all day long until he was replaced late in the game by Conor McDermott at quarterback. Adam Parker had another two touchdowns to bring his season total to 14 and Chris Starr had another terrific all-around game totaling 100+ yards and some key blocks – one particularly notable on Darnell’s interception runback.

When the members of this team look back on this season, they will realize that they have much of which to be proud. Each and every player contributed over the season and the team had a chance to win nearly every game. When injuries came, as they always do in football, there was always a player ready and able to step in to fill the void created by the injury. When one player would score a TD…or make a key interception or important tackle…the team celebrated the individual’s success as if it were their own.

And it was.