Riverton Hawks Pigskin Preview

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PIGSKIN PREVIEW TEAM CAPSULE

Riverton Hawks

COACH:  John Hambelton (7-11, 3rd season at Riverton)

2014 RECORD:  4-5 (3-5 Sangamo)

POSTSEASON:  No Playoffs

TOP RETURNEES:  QB Marc Hinkle (6’, 140), RB Josh Gabriel (373 yds rushing, 4 Td’s), WR Ryan Roscetti (5’9”, 140), OL/DL Jacob Tanner (6’2”, 280), OL/DL James Boster (6’, 245) 

BIG LOSSES:  Blake Suhling (All-Conference TE/LB), Andy Ankrom (All-Conference DL) 

WHAT THE HAWKS DO WELL:  The Hawks like their potential on the offensive side of the ball.  “We’re going to have an improved offense,” Coach Hambelton says. “We could be pretty dynamic.  We think we can throw the ball well."  That confidence is spurred by quarterback Marc Hinkle.  “Marc’s a pretty good drop back passer. He sees the field well and throws a good ball."  Hambleton will also rely on the size he has upfront on both of offensive and defensive sides of the ball.  He’s got three seniors anchoring the team in the trenches and says the D-line is little ahead of the O-line entering camp.

RIVERTON QUESTION MARKS:  Filling the void left by linebacker Blake Suhling.  “He did everything," Hambelton states.  “Offense, defense, special teams.  I think we’re a solid team but when you lose a two-way starter, it’s hard to predict how a team will respond."  A big question mark last year was the health of running back Josh Gabriel (knee).  That’s not the case in 2015.  “We’re looking for a big year from Josh.  He looks fast.  He looks good.  When he gets the ball in space he’s been pretty darn good."

WORTH NOTING:  Riverton is excited about the talent in their sophomore class.  “You will see guys playing in that class," Hambelton continues.  “They’ll have to step it up.  They love football.  That class loves it, and we’re going to let them play."  The Hawks have a total of 58 players suited up on varsity this season.

COACH HAMBELTON SAYS:  “We went 3-6 my first year and 4-5 last year.  I think the goal is to win those 50/50 games."  Hambelton proclaims.  “We won three of our last four last year with the only loss coming to the team (Williamsville) that lost in the 3A title game."  The Hawks would like a fast start this season.  “This offense is pretty good and hopefully the defense comes together.  That first game with Plains is big.  It’s a big game."