2017 was a magical year for Pleasant Grove Football, 16-0 perfect record and Texas High School State Championship.

Now we turn the page  to 2018 and the Hawks have reloaded and ready to take on all comers. Head Football Coach Josh Gibson is excited and ready for the challenge and he thinks his team is too, saying," We always make sure we prepare and work as hard as we possibly can.  When the kids go FULL TILT and put their HEART & SOUL into the program, that's all we can ask.  They've done this.  We had a great spring, a great summer and great fall camp.  The chips will fall where they fall."

Taking a look at the Hawks this season starting on offense. The front line is going to be young compared to last year, according to Gibson. " Brock Bingham is the only returning starter and he's dealing with a significant injury right now.  Connor Stanfill gained a lot of experience last year and is a very talented OL as well, but we've lost him for 3 weeks due to a shoulder injury.  Jamie Lewis is playing well thus far and will be a game changer for us.  Landon Jackson will start at TE and could be a game changer in the running and passing game.  Cole Slade, Landon Watlington, Luke Mueller, Jaxson Cartright, Cameron Weekly, Miller Hornsby and Chris Druhan will all get significant playing time too."

The Hawks have a lot of talent at the skilled positions, including receivers, according to Gibson," We have a very talented WR core, probably the deepest we've ever had.  Kamren Woods has great athleticism and can go get the deep ball as good as anyone.  Brett Walker and Jackson Cobb are big time possession receivers that can do it all.  Sergio Rodriguez is a speedster that can stretch the field and make the big play.

One place the Hawks will shine again this year is at Quarterback. Junior signal caller Ben Harmon is very special. He is the type of ball player that any team would love to have. He gives his all heart and soul to the program and has the talent to back it up.
Coach Gibson had this to say about his QB, who started every game of last year's perfect season. " I expect Ben to do what he always does...work hard and lead.  He's the hardest worker I've been around at the high school level.  He brings great energy each day to workouts and does a great job of rallying the team.  He's such a talented player in our offense and a big weapon for us.

Turning to the defense, once again the Hawks have  a bunch of shoes to fill there having graduated a big and versatile group of young men. Gibson talks about the front line. " We have a BIG and YOUNG D-Line.  We are anchored on both sides by sophomores Landon Jackson (6'5 225) and Marcus Burris (6'4 250).  Both have received D1 scholarship offers and have huge upsides.  Two of our three noseguards are sophomores too.  Cameron Weekly (307 pounds) and Jordan Stuart (335 pounds).   Those guys will need to grow up fast with our strength of schedule, but our future looks bright with them."
There is some experience at linebacker and some youth as well according to the coach,"Caleb Hemphill and Bladen Reaves will lead our LB corp.  They are both extremely smart, physical and strong.  Caleb is a returning all-district LB and Bladen is an all-district LB/team captain that moved in from Bryan, TX.  OLB's are up for grabs with several young kids: Braden Hlavinka, Nick Martin, Dylan Hopkins will all get significant playing time."
Gibson has some important guys returning in the Hawks secondary saying, " The secondary returns 2 three year starters:  Tyler Kelly and Ryan Pickelman.  They are both fast and physical.  Tyler is making the move from corner to safety this year.

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