The St.Helena Hawks look to make a return to the playoffs this year after a heartbreaking loss in the First round last year. While not having the best record last year going 4-5, It was good enough to get them into the playoffs where unfortunately they suffered a devastating 25-18 loss in the first round to Port Allen. Though the Hawks have started the season 1-2, They look to turn things around the upcoming weekend.
Christopher Gordon is in his third year coaching the Hawks, not only is he the head coach but also the athletic director for the school. The loss last year did not sit well with the team and it has shown by the work they have been putting in this summer. They have had great numbers in participation and have had great success in 7 on 7 too. Over the Spring they went and played Pine and this would be their second meeting in the Spring. Coach Gordon was happy with his team’s performance stating that they are much better than they were last year.
When asked about some stand-out players, There were a few that Coach Gordon wanted to spotlight. Willie Martin, he’s an athlete. He plays almost any position on the field. Willie had an impressive season last year making first-team all-district. Another player Coach Gordon Talked about was Diontae Chaney he’s been a linebacker and has been first-team all-district over the previous two years. He’s going to be moving to safety this year. Aderrion Baker is the QB and is another player for whom Coach Gordon has high hopes. Baker has been starting since his freshman year. He was a freshman all-district first-team. Coach Gordon has taken the “training wheels” off of him, so he has full trust that Baker will make the right reads and make plays.
He has a cannon full on, so just having a kid that can come in and really understand what’s going on, but also get the ball there, you can open up your entire playbook.
Head Coach Christopher Gordon
Willie Martin is a 6’2″ 230lbs senior for the Hawks. As stated before, he is an athlete and plays everywhere and is extremely good at it. Willie is a fan of the way that Coach Gordon goes about things, he is hard on them and expects nothing but the best. The thing that sticks out most about this guy is his strength, and with a bench of 285, there’s no doubt about his strength.
Aderrion Baker is the QB for the Hawks, this Junior is 6’2″ 175lbs. He has high hopes for this season and has been putting in vast amounts of work on his form and technique. He is very confident in his abilities and is ready for the season to get started. When asked what his goals are for the season this is what Baker had to say.
My goal is to win district in our division because you know, 2018 we won, we haven’t won it since, so that’s my goal, win district
St.Helena QB Aderrion Baker
Diontae Chaney is another one of those all-around athletes who plays any position. Chaney is a 5’11” 175lbs senior and with a 40-yard time of 4.7, this young star is fast. Over the summer Dionae has really worked on the little things, he working on staying focused being disciplined during the game, and not letting the moment get the best of him. Diontae is looking to have a breakout year this year and hopefully get noticed by some teams. When asked why should a college recruit him, he had this to say.
I’m a coachable, hardworking player that will give you my all each and every day and not only on the field but off too. I’m a outstanding student, I make good grades and I put in the work.
St.Helena’s Diontae Chaney
Willie and Diontae were also both invited to participate in the Gridiron football bowl game at the end of the year which is an outstanding accomplishment.
The Hawks look to turn things around this weekend as they face off against Amite.
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