Hamilton Township uses past trials to fuel upcoming season
By: Charlie Ihlenfeld
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WOUB) – Hamilton Township battled youth and injuries to struggle out of the gate last year 2-3. Then, the Rangers rallied to win three next three games.
Hamilton Township entered week nine 5-3, but once again, injury and stiff competition saw them drop their two final games to narrowly miss out on the playoffs in a loaded region eleven.
But, they are ready to use last year as fuel for this year.
“We know when adversity, not to put our heads down,” said senior wide receiver Jovon McBride. “We know just to keep playing.”
The Rangers hosted their annual Midnight Practice on July 31st, an annual tradition during COVID.
“It was later because the season got moved down the road,” said Tennyson Varney. “I told the kids, ‘how about we practice (at) midnight?’ And the kids loved it, and we’ve been doing it ever since.”
The Rangers turn the lights on, and on a colder late July night, the offense and defense compete in scenarios to earn points. It is as close as the Rangers can get to the Friday night lights in the summer. The players savor the opportunity to prove themselves in front of their teammates.
“You are seeing what guys can do a lot with people watching them,” said Logan Paquette, senior defensive end. “And which guys can’t. Which guys fail under pressure. I think that helps especially on Friday nights.”
As the Rangers have one more year of experience under their belts, they are prepared to take the next step.
“We’ve worked every day with each other,” said senior quarterback Lucas King. “And, I just feel like the chemistry on the field is like nothing I’ve ever had.”
McBride and King are two of the key pieces returning from last year’s team.
“That’s my guy,” said McBride. “We come here before practice early every day so we can get reps, get on the same page because we have choice routes and we gotta read the defense together.”
But, they are far from the only returning talent for Hamilton Township on that side of the ball. Kal-el Beverly Akin returns at running back, and he will feature at linebacker and defensive end too. Four starters return on the offensive line.
With talent throughout the roster, the Rangers are determined to live up to their potential one play at a time.
“Win one game at a time,” said King. “Let’s say we win 20 reps. We probably win the game.”
Varney believes in what this group can do, but they still need to earn it.
“We have a lot to prove,” said Varney. “We have a lot to fight and get done. And that’s exciting. The potential is exciting. But