Hudson Explorers 2024 high school football schedule, preview

HUDSON EXPLORERS

• HEAD COACH : Jeff Gough, ninth year, 68-26
• LAST SEASON : 9-3, 7-2 in Suburban League National Conference
• POSTSEASON : Division II, Region 5

Hudson football's returning starters (10)

• Jackson Babitsky, OL, Sr.
• Louie Castellarin, WR/RB, Jr
• Jake Clapper, OL, Sr.
• Brennan Funyak, RB/DB, Sr.
• Nick Innamorato, RB/DB, Sr.
• Parker Jenks, OL/DL, Sr.
• Nathan Judy, QB/LB, Jr.
• Andrew Lanham, OL/DL, Jr.
• Brad Masiella, K, Sr.
• John Ploskunak, DB, Sr.

Hudson football's impact players

Judy comes off an excellent season at outside linebacker and tight end. While he will continue to anchor Hudson's defense, he also is in the running to start at quarterback. … "He made a bunch of clutch plays for us last," Gough said. "He’s very physical and has a knack for the ball." … Clapper will anchor Hudson's offensive line as a third-year starter. … "He’s gotten stronger and has put on weight. We’re excited for him to see what he can do this year." … After contributing last year as a wide receiver, Castellarin could see some time at running back for the Explorers.

What’s new for Hudson football in 2024

Hudson will have a lot of new faces, particularly at the offensive skill positions, after graduating 23 seniors last season. … "We have a lot of guys that are upcoming that haven't seen a lot of time," Gough said. "Our seniors are not a really big class, but we love the way they have brought the team together already. We have a lot of sophomores from last year." Gough hopes for better team health after a tough season in 2023. "What those guys overcame injury-wise and the adversity we faced was big. We were able to finish in the fourth quarter at the end of the season."

Hudson football's outlook

New faces or not, Hudson's expectations remain high. The Explorers expect to be in the running for the National Conference title again and make a push in the Division II playoffs. … "It’s always the same on offense. We take what the defense gives us. Our outlook and our goal is always the same. We want to win the Suburban League. The consistency you see in this league speaks volumes. There's never an off week. I want our guys to be ready to play their best at end of the year."

Hudson football's schedule for 2024

• Aug. 23 HIGHLAND
• Aug. 30 NORTH CANTON HOOVER
• Sept. 6 Cleveland Heights
• Sept. 13 STOW
• Sept. 20 TWINSBURG
• Sept. 27 Wadsworth
• Oct. 4 Brecksville
• Oct. 11 Nordonia
• Oct. 18 North Royalton
• Oct. 25 SOLON

Home games in all CAPS. All games at 7 p.m., unless note d

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Hudson Explorers 2024 high school football schedule, preview