The #5 (1A) South Hardin football team recently concluded its best season in program history at 9-2, following a playoff exit in a state quarterfinal to #2 (1A) Dike-New Hartford. It was the Tigers’ most wins in a season since going 6-3 in 2020, where they reached the second round of the playoffs.
The Tigers were led by 12 seniors that helped the program climb from a 3-6 record in their underclassman seasons to new heights this season.
South Hardin Head Coach Nick Eller on the seniors journey to helping achieve school history.
“These guys have been our backbone this entire season and of our program here for a few years. We’ve got guys that are three year starters and you’ve got guys that are one year starters, so you’re getting a mix of all that. A great testament to their work ethic and our program developing guys. Some of these guys, you wouldn’t have guessed they’re freshman year, they’re gonna be at this spot, but they’ve worked themselves into being the player they are, being elite players, some of them,” says Eller. “It’s been fun to see the development of the whole group, they had a struggle start and a really rough youth football time, fifth through eighth grade they won just a few games. You mix the hard work and mix in some other classes that filled in some of those pieces they needed and here we are in the top eight.”
Senior running back Jaxson Drury rushed for 1,394 yards (fifth in 1A) and 21 touchdowns (fourth in 1A). Senior receiver Sam Benson eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving with 1,003 (currently leads 1A) and had 10 receiving touchdowns (tied fourth in 1A). Junior quarterback Peyton Welch passed for 1,852 yards and accounted for 24 touchdowns (21 passing and three rushing). Junior Lucas Perry was the Tigers’ top tackler with 56 tackles.
Eller on the balance on both sides of the ball this season.
“I love running the ball, but I also love throwing. I’m not a one-dimensional guy, so it’s been really fun for me as a play caller being able to know that we can do both, and being effective and consistent at both. I think it’s been a big difference in our season this year. We’ve been more consistent with both. It’s really fun to see as a coach, that different guys are all a part of that. It’s not just one receiver, one running back. It’s a mix of everybody from all the different receivers, running backs, quarterback, and then your linemen getting involved. It’s just been a great mix of guys. Our defense was pretty good, consistently against the run and pass to. We’ll give up some stuff here and there. We don’t have one side or one spot there that is super weak and that we can’t defend.”
South Hardin is projected to return 21 incoming juniors and seniors next year.
