Note: Tuesday, July 30 marked the official start of the local high school football season as players and coaches from across the Lackawanna Football Conference gathered at the Regal Room for Media Day 2024. This is the first in a series of stories covering that event and previewing the upcoming campaign.
OLYPHANT — On the heels of a disappointing 2023 season, hopes are running high among local high school football fans that Honesdale can get back into the championship chase this fall.
The Hornets finished 3-7 overall and out of the running for a District 2 playoff berth. One bright spot, though, was a solid 2-3 mark in LFC Division II competition.
Paul Russick is entering his fifth year as varsity coach, and he believes this team is poised for a breakout season.
More: Official schedules released for the 2024 high school football season
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“We have a great bunch of kids," Russick said. “Our overall numbers are good, and we've got a nice group of seniors in particular. I'm expecting them to be really good leaders and close out their varsity career on a high note.”
Senior leaders
Accompanying Russick at this year's Media Day were two of those seniors: Quarterback Aiden Collins and offensive lineman Wyatt Rutherford.
Collins has been the starter under center since his freshman year. He passed for more than 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns last fall while also rushing for 334 yards and seven scores.
“I want to go into every single game expecting to win,” said Collins. “I'm willing to do whatever it takes, whether that means throwing the ball or running it physically. I'm really excited to get back out on the field with my guys.”
Rutherford didn't begin playing organized football until the eighth grade, but he's made up for lost time with steely resolve and a classic blue collar work ethic.
Rutherford anchored the offensive line last fall at left guard, a spot he's held down for three years now. He did not allow a single sack during his junior season.
“We've been working really hard during the offseason,” said Rutherford, who also plays basketball and track.
“Our goal is to go 1-0 each week and hopefully end up competing for a district title. We're a pretty close-knit team. We've been through some stuff together, and that definitely helped us bond.”
On the calendar
Honesdale struggled out of the gate last fall, losing its first four games of the regular season.
However, the Hornets showed resilience by then reeling off three straight impressive wins over the likes of Tunkhannock (51-6), Lakeland (48-7) and West Scranton (41-6).
Sadly for local fans, those turned out to be the high points of the entire season as the Red & Black closed out the campaign with three consecutive losses.
Honesdale will once again compete in Division II, going head-to-head with Dunmore, Western Wayne, Lakeland, Mid Valley and West Scranton.
The Hornets kick off the regular season at home with a non-league game against East Stroudsburg North on Friday, August 23. Action gets underway at 7 p.m. at the Daniel J. O'Neill Sports Complex.
Other big games on the schedule this fall include: Wallenpaupack Area (Sept. 6); Homecoming versus Western Wayne (Sept. 27); Senior Night versus West Scranton (Oct. 25).
Keys to success
While Collins led the Honesdale aerial assault last fall, Mason Avery paced the ground game.
A multi-sport standout who also excels on the wrestling mat, Avery powered his way to more than 1,200 rushing yards and 10 TDs as a junior.
“Mason does everything that you ask of him,” said Russick. “He runs with power and speed. Mason is a natural athlete who would be good at anything he tries.”
Honesdale's two most productive receivers, Cameron Hedgelon and Zachary Gledhill were both lost to graduation, which leaves Conlan Keast (18 receptions, 183 yards) as Collins' top returning target.
The Hornets welcome back seven starters on defense, so Russick has high expectations for that group.
“We feel really good about where we are,” the veteran skipper said. “We emphasize to the kids that pressure is a privilege. It means big things are expected of you.”
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Lackawanna Football Conference Media Day 2024: Honesdale Hornets
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