A rare opening day opponent: Hudson football's 2024 schedule

A game short of Gillette, but then a game few will forget.

Hudson had just five days to get over a Division 6 state semifinal loss to eventual champion Fairhaven last November. The Hawks rebounded nicely, earning their first win over Thanksgiving rival Marlborough since 2010 , by a 41-0 score.

The Hawks (9-3 last season) have won 26 games over the previous three seasons and will begin this year with a schedule that grows increasingly difficult as the weeks progress. They begin with home games against Shrewsbury and Clinton, a pair of 6-5 teams last season.

Hudson hasn’t played Shrewsbury, a former Midland League rival, since 2011 – winning 35-0 en route to the program’s last appearance in a Super Bowl.

"We have 1 game on our mind and that's Shrewsbury," said Hudson coach Zac Attaway in a text message. "We know each week will be a battle."

The Hawks haven’t lost to Clinton since 2019, but the game with the Gaels in usually deciding by one score.

"Clinton is always a great game and unbelievable atmosphere," Attaway said.

Hudson’s final two games of September also round out the non-league portion of the schedule, not including Thanksgiving.

The Hawks host Dover-Sherborn on Sept. 20, the team that ended their undefeated season two years ago, although Hudson won last year’s matchup, 35-13 . Hudson plays on the road a week later at Worcester South, which defeated the Hawks, 26-20, last fall.

The South game is one of just three away games for Hudson this season.

"That 4 game stretch will be physically and mentally demanding," Attaway said. "And it doesn't get any easier after that (when league play begins), so the boys know they have their work cut out for them."

Senior Jake Attaway, the coach's son, returns for his fourth and final season after throwing and rushing for 44 touchdowns a year ago.

Hudson 2024 football schedule

Friday, Sept. 6 vs. Shrewsbury, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 13 vs. Clinton, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 20 vs. Dover-Sherborn, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 27 at South High (Foley Stadium), 6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 5 vs. Maynard, 6 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 11 vs. Oakmont, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 25 at North Middlesex, 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 1 vs. Groton-Dunstable, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 28 at Marlborough, 10 a.m.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: A rare opening day opponent: Hudson football's 2024 schedule