The Hawkins Hawks are ready for what they hope will be a banner year with an experienced and talented roster led by one of East Texas’ top dual-threat quarterbacks in Eli Smith.
Smith is a four-year starter who has put up some of the area’s biggest numbers during his time as the Hawkins field general.
As a freshman, Smith threw for 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns. He followed with 2,867 yards and 37 touchdown passes as a sophomore. That season, Smith set a school record with eight touchdown passes in a 74-16 win over Maud.
Last year as a junior, Smith threw for 2,500 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Smith will have plenty of help from a talented group of receivers and some rugged linemen who will clear the way for the running game and protect the quarterback.
Sophomore Grayson Williamson anchors the line at center with his brother, senior Tristan Williamson, at one guard spot and junior David Rios at the other. Bryson France and Alex Juarez will handle the tackle positions.
The Hawks also have plenty of targets in the passing game. The receiving group includes sophomore Xameron Govens, juniors Riggin Smith and Brody Warren and senior Trevin Tanner.
Hawkins has posted back-to-back 5-5 seasons and has not made the playoffs since 2023. There are high hopes in Hawkins for this to be the year the Hawks get back into postseason play.
The players and coaches feel they have the talent to have a good year and hope to still be playing football late in the season.
The Hawks will compete in District 19-2A Division I with Carlisle, Cayuga, Frankston, Alba-Golden, Como-Pickton and Kerens for the next two years.
Frankston, Carlisle and Cayuga were playoff teams last season, but head coach Bill Cowley feels the Hawks have a good shot at joining them this year.
“Carlisle always fields a good team, Frankston has been good lately and Cayuga did well last year. We feel like we have a good shot to be a playoff team,” Cowley said.
Cowley said the Hawks have worked hard during the offseason and in the weeks leading up to the season.
“Our whole mission this year is to get better every day. We want to keep building and step on the field to be the best we can be on game night,” Cowley said.
After this week’s rivalry game against Big Sandy, Hawkins will host nearby Winona. The Hawks finish the non-district schedule Sept. 17 at Overton.
Hawkins opens district play Sept. 25 at Cayuga, followed by Carlisle, Como-Pickton, Alba-Golden, Kerens and Frankston.
The Hawks close the regular season Nov. 6 at Frankston in a game that could be important in the district playoff race.