Second-team all-conference running back John Iwaniec enters his senior season as the Hawks' second all-time leading rusher with 1,929 yards and 26 touchdowns. As a junior, he rushed for 983 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Posted: Aug 15, 2016

Hawks will rely on experienced backfield

By Chuck Tidmore

Sports Information Assistant

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Huntingdon football team held its first practice in full gear on Monday. The Hawks will hold two practices on Tuesday at 9 a.m. in full gear and at 4 p.m. in helmets and shorts.

"Today was the first opportunity we had to tackle," head coach Mike Turk said. "These practices and reps are crucial and we have to really do the best we can to measure it the right way without getting anyone hurt."

Huntingdon enters the 2016 season with confidence in its rushing attack. Returning for the Hawks are seniors John Iwaniec and Jay Ware along with junior Vic Jerald. Iwaniec, Ware and Jerald combined for 2081 yards as the Hawks set a program record with 2,936 rushing yards.

Iwaniec enters his senior season as the Hawks second all-time leading rusher with 1,929 yards and 26 touchdowns on 369 carries. Former Huntingdon running back Trevor Manuel holds the program's career records with 3,021 yards and 44 touchdowns on 634 carries.

"Iwaniec is solid and a kid who has played for us since he was a freshman," Turk said. "He's been making plays and is such a solid kid in every aspect of his life. He's a guy you know you can put out there and he's going to do the right thing and do it the right way. When you have a guy with that kind of attitude, effort-level and accountability and is really talented, it really sets a standard for the rest of the group. He's been a blessing to have."

Iwaniec, who rushed for 983 yards and 15 touchdowns on 168 carries last season, is coming off one of the best rushing season in program's history. His season yardage total was the second best in Huntingdon history behind Alex Baronich's 1,197 yards on 235 carries in 2009. Iwaniec's touchdown total trailed only Manuel (17 in 2012) and Baronich (16 in 2009).

"Vic came on last year and by the end of the season was playing at a high-level," Turk said. "He's tough and physical for a smaller guy but also good in the open field and catches the ball well out of the backfield. Ware is another guy who has played a lot of football for us and is big and physical. He knows what to do as well and has played a lot of snaps. With those three guys, we should have a fresh back in there at all times."

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