Hawks counting on Hughes for experience at quarterback
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Huntingdon football team returned to the field for its second two-a-day practice of the preseason on Thursday.
After holding their first scrimmage Wednesday night, the Hawks went back to work in shoulder pads and helmets in the morning session and worked on the kicking game in the afternoon session.
"We had a quick turnaround from the scrimmage last night to practice at 9 this morning. But we really challenged the guys to bring a workman-like attitude, enthusiasm and energy to practice this morning and I was really pleased with how we responded," head coach Mike Turk said. "We were beat up a little, sore and tired, but we got after each other and we were able to get some good things accomplished."
The Hawks will have the final morning practice of the preseason on Friday at 9 a.m. With just a couple of practices remaining before school starts, one of Huntingdon's key positions has a clear No. 1.
Unlike a year ago when the Hawks had a quarterback battle between Ryne Taylor and Taylor Hughes throughout the preseason and implemented a two-quarterback system during the season, Hughes has already established himself as the Hawks' starter. But Turk expects Hughes to continue to prepare himself the same as he did last season.
"Taylor's motivational level was easy to monitor last year because he was in a battle for the job," Turk said. "Both of those guys knew if they tailed off at all, the other one was going to take control.
"We don't have the same level of competition this year at this point. With Ryne graduated and Hughes being the only guy back with real experience, the other guys are battling but they're still learning a lot. Taylor has to continue to challenge himself and each day measure himself against the level of excellence we expect."
As a junior, splitting time with Ryne Taylor in all 10 games, Hughes completed 97-of-141 passes for 1,590 yards, 15 touchdowns and five touchdowns and was the team's third leading rusher with 407 yards and four touchdowns on 52 carries.
Hughes also led the Hawks on two game-winning drives, leading Huntingdon to a 34-27 win over Louisiana College and a 45-38 win over Maryville. He completed the game-winning touchdown pass with less than 1:20 to play in both games.
Behind Hughes, sophomores Luke Bailey, Andrew Neswiacheny and Buck Robinson are battling for playing time.
"We do have some young guys who are doing some good things," Turk said. "The guys who are back from last year (Bailey, Neswiacheny and Robinson), it's obvious they're a year more comfortable in what we're doing, but they're still not as efficient as they need to be. But they're making progress.
"The younger guys are trying to figure it out and every now and then, it clicks. When it clicks and when there is ability to go with it, it's pretty. There is plenty to be excited about with this position group for this season and down the road."