David Morbitzer rounded up his team’s 20 seniors after an ugly 29-0 loss to rival Timberland at mid-season, and urged them to begin thinking harder about the mark they wanted to make at Hanahan.
The Hawks, powered by their group of 12th graders, responded with five straight victories in a perfect run through Region 7-AAA. They host Pelion in the first round of the Class AAA playoffs on Nov. 9. The Panthers (2-7) were fourth in Region 5-AAA.
“The key was really getting them to buy in,” said Morbitzer, the Hawks’ first-year coach. “We talked to them about the legacy they wanted to leave: how they’re going to build the program for the future and what they want Hanahan football to be. I can’t commend them enough.”
Capped by a 41-7 lashing of Waccamaw on Oct. 26, the Hawks outscored their region opponents 177-42. Hanahan takes a 6-3 record into the postseason.
“We’ve talked about how this is a whole new season,” Morbitzer said. “Now you’re playing for your life. We’re guaranteed just one game. We’ve got to fight for our lives and see if we can keep the train rolling.”
Hanahan is looking for its first playoff victory since 2014. The Hawks have been bounced in the opening round three straight seasons, including in 2015 as a region champion.
“Our No. 1 goal moving forward is to win a playoff game to continue the legacy for this senior class,” Morbitzer said.
The Hawks would be at home for second- and third-round games if they continue winning. The Hanahan-Pelion winner will encounter either Aynor or Battery Creek in the second round.
The Hawks are coming off a 400-plus yard rushing effort against Waccamaw. Three players topped 100 yards on the ground, an accomplishment traced back to a strong effort from the offensive line: left tackle Matt Murray, left guard Kevy Bell, center Alex Herriott, right guard Kevin Johnson and right tackles Andre Brewington and Kai Buffalo.
On the season, running backs Shi Hart (658 yds, 7 TDs) and Gale Ball (657 yds, 5 TDs) lead the offense. Fullback Hunter Mills has seven touchdowns on 20 carries.
Quarterback Mac Blakeney has passed for 458 yards. Receivers Davis Wood and Jake Ward have two touchdowns grabs apiece.
