Hawks fly into new era

HOUSTON — Things are a bit different on the Houston High School practice field.

Last season, the Hawks graduated a massive senior class. Former longtime head coach Norm Bouchard also retired. But after spending a year on the staff as an assistant, Todd Whitehurst grabbed the reigns of the program, and immediately began his work to help the Northern Lights Conference squad take the next step. Whitehurst and the Hawks were hard at work, long before the team’s first official day of practice. In addition to offseason conditioning, Hawks players participated in multiple camps, giving Whitehurst a feeling of accomplishment for his squad.

“We got a lot of football in before the actual first day of football,” Whitehurst said after his team’s practice on Wednesday. “We’re ahead of the game compared to where the program’s been the last couple years.”

Despite the loss of a number of players who factored heavily into the success of the Hawks last season, Whitehurst is pleased with the number of players on the Hawks’ roster this year. Houston should have about 45 athletes, nearly double-digits better than last year. Whitehurst said he’s trying to eliminate the number of players who swing from junior varsity to varsity this year to create two separate squads. He’s also excited about a Houston-based Matanuska Youth Football Association squad that boasts 30 players. That could parlay into 15 freshmen for the Hawks next season.

Houston High alum Jared Barrett returns as the defensive coordinator, but the Hawks will sport a new look on defense, with the 4-6 formation. Former Wasilla High head coach Glenn Nelson has also been added to the defensive coaching staff.

Whitehurst helped implement his split-back veer system on offense last year, and is excited about Houston moving into the second year with the formation. Junior Nai Saechao, a reserve signal caller last year, has moved into the starting quarterback spot. Whitehurst said he’s happy Saechao had a year to learn the system behind former starter Beau Frank, a 2012 Houston graduate.

“He’s had a whole year running the option,” Whitehurst said of Saechao. “He has a huge advantage over what Beau had last year. He’s doing a really good job right now.”

With the likes of Saechao returning, Whitehurst said the Houston offense is probably ahead of the Hawks defense right now.

“Offensively, right now, we’re probably more in sync,” Whitehurst said.

Senior Hunter Smith and junior Waylon Soptick will join Saechao in the backfield at the running back positions.

“They’ll both get a lot of carries,” Whitehurst said.

Seniors Tim Davis and Hunter Pease are expected to lead the Hawks on an offense line that also includes juniors Doug Hepler and Zac Tucheck, and sophomore Arrin Paul.

Hepler is a second-year starter at center, and Whitehurst said Paul is coming on strong as a sophomore tackle.

Junior River Ross has made the move from wide receiver to tight end.

Whitehurst said Soptick will lead the new 4-6, as a middle linebacker and defensive play caller.

Houston opens its 2012 season against Valdez Saturday at 1 p.m. at Houston High School. Whitehurst said the Houston coaches are eager to see the talent in action.

“We want to work on a lot of stuff. It’s definitely a game for us, but we’re really approaching it as, let’s get everything out there and really take a look at what we need to improve on,” Whitehurst said.

In addition to hosting their first game, the Hawks are also honoring local veterans. During the offseason, Whitehurst said local chapters of the AmVets, VFW and American Legion donated money to help the Hawks fund the purchase of new equipment.

In recognition of those who served, all veterans will be granted free admission for the game. Whitehurst said he hopes the football program can make this an annual tradition at Houston High.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com, follow him @matsu_sports and find him by searching Valley Sports Huddle on Facebook.