For several weeks, the Harmony Grove Hornets have been installing many new schemes on their team and developing players. The Hornets have to replace many seniors that made a huge impact on both sides of the ball. Among the most impactful seniors were running back/linebacker Tobias Hicks, running back/linebacker Daniel, and left tackle/defensive end Logan McCann.
The Hornets also have several key young players who made as much impact last season returning. Among some of the young players that made a huge impact last season was wide receiver/cornerback Landon Garrett, quarterback Caleb Johnson, and safety DaVonta Hubbard.
Other players have found and developed their role with the team this Spring Training. They are players who needed to fill in starters and as a vital role on the Hornets' football team. They will look to develop more experience on the field as the Hornets host their annual Hornets' Black and Gold Game at 6 pm.
There will be several aspects to watch for as the Hornets practice a game simulated setting to develop their new schemes and young players. Hornets head coach Ernie Horstkamp is adding several new schemes on both sides of the ball that fit into the high-caliber talent of his star players.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Hornets are installing more read-option plays as Landon Garrett and running back Shamar Patterson will be the top backs to build their offense around. The idea behind a more aggressive read-option offensive scheme is to help with the young and inexperienced offensive line. This scheme will relieve pressure during plays. The Hornets will also utilize many different receivers in their spread passing offense.
Garrett and Patterson will be players to watch for in the spring scrimmage as they look to accelerate their running game. While there will be less pressure from the offensive line with this more aggressive rad-option offense, there will still be some demand that the line needs to be more consistent in creating running lanes for the backs.
The Hornets have to replace several key wide receivers from last season outside of Garrett. Gabe Johnson is another experienced wideout that significantly impacted the 2021 season.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Hornets are looking for more consistent zone coverage with their linebackers and safeties. The Hornets will have more depth at the defensive line than last season. This will include switching out units constantly for a more energetic pass rush.
While the Hornets are replacing Hill, Hicks, and outside linebacker Jermaine Edwards as the starting linebackers, the Hornets feel confident with the incoming new starters stepping in. Cannon Booker, Selwyn Martinez, and Braylon Garcia are defenders for the Hornets, who were high-caliber playmakers throughout the season, even as backups. While all three linebackers will be full-time starters for the first time in their career, they are more than capable of being defensive leaders for the Hornets in the upcoming 2022 season.
The biggest goal for the Hornets' defense is to have their defensive line constantly penetrate the offense's backfield and for their defensive backs to be consistent in coverage. They have the experienced coaching staff and the potential from their players to develop into a high-efficient defense like they were last season.
The Hornets will kick off their Black and Gold Game at 6 pm on Monday at Bill Manning Field. Admission at the gate will either be $2 or a bottle of Tide detergent.
Photo By: Michael Hanich
Harmony Grove defensive end Brock Simon attacking the offensive line at the scrimmage in practice.