5 reasons why the Hawthorne Hornets can repeat as Class 1R state champions

The Hornets broke through for their first ever state title in 2022 and we think they can do it again this fall

HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA- Breaking through for its first state championship last winter at Gene Cox Stadium brought all kinds of emotions for the Hawthorne Hornets’ football program.

From tears of joy to knowing they finished the drill of bringing one back home to the town of Hawthorne, it was a wide array of feels after the Hornets won the Class 1R state championship. 

Hawthorne defeated Northview 13-2 for the Class 1R state championship in 2022 

Can they do it again in 2023? Last year’s team was especially special and we believe this version upcoming could be as equally or possibly better. That’s why we got to work to come up with five reasons why we think Hawthorne can repeat as 1R champs and we lost them down below. 

5. Regular season will make Hawthorne battle tested

When you take a look at Hawthorne’s 2023 schedule top to bottom, this is one that will absolutely prepare them for the treacherous road ahead in getting back to the state championship game. Cornelius Ingram’s bunch start off a solid 3S team with Middleburg and then two weeks later play Terry Parker (3M). They also face a powerful South Sumter club that should contend for the Class 2S state title, an always talented Gibbs squad and then nearby North Marion, which has been much improved under Greg Carr. The schedule will get them ready for November and December. 

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4. Defensive unit will be stout again 

Let’s make no bones about it: The backbone of Hawthorne’s 2022 state championship team was its defense. Through 12 games last year, they yielded a mere 9.3 points per game. Whenever the offense was in doubt, the Hornets could always lean on their ability to clamp down on opponents to keep the game tight or score defensively. The 1R state championship win over Northview is a great example. Though Hawthorne couldn’t really muster up a bunch of points, the Hornets held Northview to just a safety and won 13-2. This defense will be good and it’s what they rely upon every Friday night. 

3. Quarterback CJ Ingram is the key 

Now we say all that about the defense to also say this when it comes to the team’s arguably best all around player is CJ Ingram is what makes the Hornets tick. He doesn’t have the dazzling stats that pop out at you like other quarterbacks around the Sunshine State, but it’s more like the intangibles about him that make you know he means a ton to Hawthorne. Ingram had modest passing numbers in 2022, throwing for 1,016 yards and seven touchdowns. It’s the fact he also added 504 on the ground, 14 more scores and is in command of the offense. As a junior, he’s on pace for a big 2023 campaign. 

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2. A coaching staff that knows when to press the right buttons 

You’ve got to give the former Florida Gator credit that he knew when to press the right buttons when the games got tight. Cornelius Ingram, a former University of Florida product, lived out a dream by returning to his alma mater and bringing back home a state championship. He did it with his know all of the game and his ability to make the right calls in adverse situations. His toughest challenge of last year, though, was getting his Hornets through a wild 21-20 victory over Pahokee in the region final before going through a whirlwind week heading into facing a talented Blountstown team in the state semifinals. Game planning got them a 28-0 shutout of the Tigers and en route to a title. This coaching staff can get them through just about anything. 

1. Winning your first championship is the toughest 

Always winning your first state championship is the toughest deal for any football program trying to accomplish the feat. For Hawthorne, it was a mountain they had tried climbing multiple times before and with no success. Now knowing not only can they get to the state championship, but can win it all is getting the proverbial monkey off of their backs and creating a more relaxed opportunity to go and win another one. Going back-to-back for Hawthorne is much more than feasible as they have the talent, coaching and belief they can get the job done. 

Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.