The #6(1A)South Hardin football team is off to its best start since 2007 at 4-0 overall and 1-0 Class 1A-4 start following a 49-19 homecoming win over Alburnett on Friday.
South Hardin Head Coach Nick Eller on complimentary football between all three phases in win over Pirates.
“Able to force some turnovers, and use our special teams to our advantage to get some quicker scores, with some really nice returns tonight. The defense, got a touchdown and set us up for some short fields and more points than we normally would have with the offense,” says Eller. “It was a good team, win. Really happy how we have started off because we got some really tough ones yet to go. This whole district is not easy. We’ve got some big ones, but getting this one was huge. I thought Alburnett was a team that could contend for the district this year. Proud of the guys and I’m excited to go 1-0 in the district and go to 4-0 overall.”
The remaining district schedule for the Tigers following Week 5 is #1(1A) Grundy Center at home and road trips to #9(1A) Hudson, and Columbus Catholic to close out the regular season.
Eller on offensive versatility and workshop areas entering the second half.
“Trying to really keep that ball moving around, with different guys getting it, different guys playing, hitting passes, runs, you name it. Making teams not be able to just, completely game plan one guy or one thing. Tonight when Alburnett tried to take away Jackson Drury and make us pass and we’ve got to do it. We just got to keep working on that and keep being versatile. Shoring up our penalties and shore up our discipline on offensive and defense, then go from there.”
The Tigers have been balanced offensively with 869 yards on the ground and 698 yards through the air. Junior Peyton Welch has captained the offense on 46/58 passing for 670 yards and 11 touchdowns. Senior Jaxson Drury has been a sturdy force out of the backfield with 553 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
South Hardin will be at East Marshall in Class 1A District 4 play on Friday.
