The REPORTER
With 22 seniors on this year’s team, leadership will be the big factor for the Hamilton Heights football team this season.
The Huskies had a good season in 2022, compiling an 8-3 record and winning a sectional game for the first time since 2017. Heights coach Jon Kirschner said this year’s team returns with “a lot of varsity experience from last season” and a love for the game.
“This senior leadership is going to be key for our success top to bottom,” said Kirschner.
Leading the way will be senior quarterback Bodie Derrer. As a junior, Derrer had a sensational 2022 campaign, going 131-of-223 for 1,797 yards and 24 touchdowns. He will be complemented by a good group of receivers, including junior Tyler Champion, who led the catches with 45 last year, 13 of them for touchdowns. Senior Jaylyn Pugh had 17 receptions, including four TDs.
Senior Owen VanHaaren is the top returning rusher, with 549 yards and two scores last year. Senior Dean Mason is a key returner on the offensive line, along with seniors Simon Knott, Dusty Dunn and Justin Hilton.
On defense, the list of linebackers will be experienced, with seniors Carson Fettig (68 tackles), Ethan Millsaps (78 tackles last season) and Eric Balcom (73 tackles), plus junior Michael Cain (62 tackles), all returning. Pugh (53 tackles) will also play at free safety, with Mason back on defensive end. The cornerbacks are also both seniors, Tyler Overton and Eli Millsaps. Overton and Cain both had 38 tackles last season.
The Huskies will play at home for their first three games. Heights opens Friday against Lapel, then welcomes North Montgomery on Aug. 25 and Lafayette Central Catholic on Sept. 1. The Huskies start Hoosier Conference East Division play Sept. 8 at Northwestern.
Kirschner said his team is “definitely excited” about its first game on Friday.
“We know Lapel is coming off a great season which included capturing a sectional title last fall,” said Kirschner. The coach said it will be a “tough game” against a high-quality opponent.