6 minute read
Heritage Hawks
Putting the Program Back Where it Belongs
The Hawks needed 2022 in the worst way. After defeating Loganville Christian 40-14 on Nov. 8, 2019, Heritage lost their next 20 games.
The Hawks jumped from the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) to the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) after the 2019 season, and being the smallest school at the table took a lot of work.
Overall depth and roster size were obstacles that proved challenging to overcome. But even though the losses stacked up, the records will show the Hawks competed to the whistle in each one.
Heritage moved back to GISA, and in their opening game against St. Mary’s Academy, they released waves of frustration with a 72-0 victory.
The Hawks finished 2023 with eight wins, but more importantly, they restored the pride of Heritage football and will continue to build on that legacy for years to come.
LEADERSHIP – Head Coach Jake Copeland has an impeccable background and experience in football. Having grown up in the area, he has a solid connection to the Heritage community and a deep understanding of the game.
Additionally, his involvement in developing football players to play at all levels, including the NFL, speaks to his ability to identify and nurture talent.
After two challenging years, he rebuilt the program and brought them back to the playoffs. This demonstrates his leadership skills and ability to motivate and elevate a team.
Coach Copeland added assistant Coach Alan Duff during the offseason to lead the offense.
Coach Duff has a long track record of coaching success, including last year when he was an assistant coach of the Sandy Creek state championship team.
In a move that goes full circle, Coach Duff was the Offensive Coordinator for Northgate when Coach Copeland played there.
LAST YEAR IN REVIEW – It was just what the doctor ordered. The Hawks reeled off six wins in a row and averaged 55 points a game in that stretch.
After losing to the Westfield School in week seven, the Hawks battled back for one of their most hard-
fought wins of the season, a 30-12 victory over Strong Rock Christian. They faced adversity for the first time in 2022 and fought through it.
They qualified for the state playoffs and defeated Lakeview Academy 36-6 at home for their first playoff victory since November 16, 2018, a 34-16 win over Southland Academy.
OFFENSE – Coach Copeland, who understands the secrets to developing quarterbacks, moved a veteran over to the position for the 2023 season. Thomas Scoggins was a two-year starter at wideout, including catching over 700 yards in passes last season. He will be throwing the passes this season.
His receivers are talented and will be one of the team's strengths. They include Miguel Owens, Landon Freeman, Field Champman, and Dominic DiGuilo.
Brady Bowman will be in the backfield and take the heat off Scoggins with a solid running game.
There are a lot of weapons at Coach Duff’s disposal, and he knows how to maximize talent.
Scoggins will depend on Reed Roberts, Matthew Tvrdik, a four-year starter, Dominic Chalfaedon, William James, and William Bracey.
DEFENSE – The defense will have to grow quickly to help the first-year quarterback, and they have the tools to do it. Keshawn Lakes will anchor the defensive front along with Roberts, Chapman, and William McCarthy.
Backing the lineup will be Owens and Truman Tolleson. The secondary will include Bowman, Scoggins, and DiGulio at safeties and Freeman and Garner at corners.
SPECIAL TEAMS – The Hawks will miss Mack Mikko, who was Mr. Consistent for four years, but they feel good about the next man up: Quint Johnson will be handling punting and kicking duties.
OUTLOOK – While there has been some roster turnover, the goal and the mindset are the same. Win with class and integrity; it has been the Heritage way since they started football in 2006.
The Hawks are back to basics, with a senior quarterback who will make great decisions and a defense that will keep them in games until the end. The non-district schedule will prepare them for the key games that matter.
The Hawks will win some close games throughout the year and return to the Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA) playoffs for the second consecutive year.
KEY GAME ON THE SCHEDULE – Last year, the Hawks managed to secure a hard-fought victory against the Strong Rock Patriots, triumphing with a score of 30-21 on their home turf.
That win had proven crucial, as it played a significant role in the Hawks' journey to the playoffs.
This year, however, the circumstances will be different. Most notably, the game is scheduled for Oct. 20, to be played at the Patriots' home field in McDonough.
Their playoff destiny will be on the line, so it will be a key game for the Hawks to coalesce as a roster and play their best when it matters the most.
NAMES FROM THE PAST – It was a tie game, 28-28, going into the fourth quarter of their game against the Monroe Academy Mustangs on Oct. 26, 2007, when the Heritage Hawks pulled away.
The Hawks had jumped to an early 21-0 lead only to see the Mustangs get back into the game with the benefit of a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Heritage seemed poised to take the lead in the fourth quarter but was stopped short of the goal line.
Undaunted, Heritage immediately took advantage. They had the Monroe offense backed up, and Hanson Powell got a tackle for a safety to give Heritage the lead.
They were right back on offense, and Neal Farmer put the game away on the next drive with a touchdown for the final margin, 37-28.
In the win, Christopher Rich and Billy Powell scored two touchdowns, and Dylan Crumbley and Mills Adams recovered fumbles that led to Hawks’ scores.
