The Lakeland Hawks have successfully made it to the playoffs. They have made it this far due to their determination and willpower. Now they just need to show that they mean business.
They were able to pull out a win in the conference game against the Moscow Bears, allowing them to get the playoff spot.
Their first game of the playoffs is against the Twin Falls Bruins. The Hawks need to be prepared as the Bruins are ranked fourth in the state, while Lakeland is 13th. Bringing a phenomenal fight to Twins Falls is mandatory.
Leaving Thursday, Oct. 26, the team will stay in Twin Falls that night to rest for the highly anticipated matchup on Friday, Oct. 27. Getting a win will make the trip worth it since winning will not only move their season forward but the bus ride home will be much more enjoyable.
The players are excited to go down to Twin Falls because they will have time to go down and relax, gathering themselves for the game the next day. This said it is not only the players that will enjoy the time down South. Even the coaches are excited to have the opportunity to visit someplace new.
“I’m really excited for the trip down there but not for the trip back,” head coach Michael Schroeder said.
Peyton Hillman, the Hawk’s quarterback for Friday, says he remembers being pulled up last year to watch, and it was a great experience. Now that he gets to see the field, he is looking forward to the trip again.
Lakeland has decided to pull up some freshmen who will be there to observe, but it will be a memorable moment for them. They will have a chance to see the inner workings of the varsity team, preparing them for next season when they are sophomores.
Overall, the Hawks believe it will be an intense game, but if they keep their heads up anything can happen.
“I think it will be a good game, I think that if we can pull through in our run and pass game, we could get rolling and score some touchdowns,” Peyton Sardinha said.
Jaron Yager also believes the team has a chance despite Twins Falls’s rank. In the end, it is a competition of who wants it more.
Throughout the week, the Hawks have been watching the Bruins’ film, learning as much as they can before Friday.
“Number 20, number 10, and number 5 will be a threat, that is why they are 8-1,” Schroeder said.
Twin Falls has specific players that pose a threat to Lakeland, but the Hawks know they need to find a way to shut them down, avoiding pivotal plays.
“Clive Hobbs, Peyton Hillman, and Peyton Sardinha will have to step up, as well as our younger players. Our young players are going to have to play like they are veterans,” Schroeder said.
Certain players will most definitely need to step up and take control. This includes younger players and seniors who do not want to be playing their last high school game.
Another main focus for the Hawks is ensuring they can avoid the hard hitters for Twin Falls on offense, such as number 20. Upon executing what they have practiced, the Hawks expect to pull off a win. Defeating the Bruins is possible if the Hawks wish to keep their season alive.
