Injuries and sickness have plagued Hanahan’s football team the early part of the season and continued through the Hawks’ open date week.
Already reeling from some injuries to key players, the Hawks had some players with flu-like symptoms last week so the extra time to prepare for the next game may not have been as productive as it could have been.
The Hawks (1-1) host St. John’s, a Class A school from John’s Island that has already taken down two schools bigger than itself.
“The ones that were there got better,” Hanahan coach Charlie Patterson said. “We had a bunch of people out sick and some had the flu. It seemed like every day, one or two people were out.”
As for the current injury situation, defensive end Jelani Ellington is doubtful for St. John’s, while inside linebacker Anthony Pelloni and defensive back Chris A. Brown are questionable.
“We’re not sure who is going to be ready to play,” Patterson said. “It’s a wait-and-see situation.”
The Hawks will be trying to avoid becoming the Islanders’ third straight Class AA victim this week. St. John’s beat Burke in Week 1, then rallied to edge Bishop England 26-20 last Friday.
The Islanders got three touchdowns from receiver/defensive back Edmond Robinson in the comeback from a 20-0 deficit.
“They’ve got a lot of good athletes,” Patterson said. “And they’ve beaten a couple of good Class AA teams. They’ve got a lot of quick guys.”
Hanahan won 42-0 last season when the two teams met at St. John’s.
The Hawks are led by quarterback Bryce Hines, who is 22 of 32 for 251 yards through the air. He tossed a pair of touchdowns in a 13-0 win over Cane Bay in Week 1. Derek Coblentz will also get some snaps under center.
“They are both very hard workers and will do what it takes to get the job done,” Hanahan offensive coordinator Page Wofford said. “We are fortunate to have them on the team."
Running back Monti Richardson has 197 yards rushing.
Chris. K. Brown, a sophomore, has eight catches for 57 yards. Irim Aiken has seven grabs for 128 yards. Jaron Denmark has six catches for 59 yards. Aiken and Denmark had the touchdown grabs against Cane Bay.
Defensively, inside linebacker Sabastian Short, a junior, leads the defense with 26 total tackles.
After St. John’s, the Hawks host Broome.