The Hinton Blackhawk football team was not pleased with how 2023 ended. The Blackhawks finished the year as district runner-up but did not perform up to standards in a 21-0 home playoff loss to AHSTW to end their season.
This year, the Hinton football team has a strong class of nine seniors returning to a team that is motivated to make sure a season like last year does not happen again. Hinton head coach Kadrian Hardersen says the guys have bigger aspirations than just qualifying for the playoffs.
The Hinton roster numbers are up significantly now with 52 players on the roster. Coach Hardersen that has opened up many options for where to play guys and how to better maximize the talent they put on the field.
Part of that talent on the field this year will be at the quarterback position with senior Gabe Anderson. The reigning district offensive MVP committed to the University of North Dakota over the summer and will play division one football next fall. Coach Hardersen says his talent is great, and his leadership has improved this year.
Last year, Hinton’s passing attack was not much of a factor to opposing defenses. The Blackhawks only threw for 400 yards at a clip of eight-and-a-half yards per catch last season. Coach Hardersen says that has been a big point of emphasis this offseason, and it helps that there are plenty of weapons on the outside to use.
Hinton’s defense quietly did its job very well all of last year. The Blackhawks pitched three shutouts throughout the season and was able to do that with pressure making a play in the backfield 27 times last year. Coach Hardersen says the Blackhawks return a lot of those disruptors, and he is eager to see how they do.
All of that leads to a test right off the bat for the Blackhawks when Gehlen Catholic comes to town to open the season. The matchup has produced some very entertaining games with four of the last five matchups coming down to 10 or less points. Coach Hardersen says the Blackhawks need to get off to a strong start to have a chance.
Hinton’s matchup with Gehlen Catholic is set for 7:00 PM on Friday, August 30 in Hinton. The game will be broadcast live on KLEM Radio and video streamed on the KLEM Radio YouTube Channel. Coverage begins at 6:15 PM with the Radio Iowa Scouting Report.
Listen to our full interview with Hinton head coach Kadrian Hardersen below:
