Hancock football ready to make noise in Region 4-6A under new coach

A new era begins in Hancock High football this season.

Neil Lollar enters his first year as the Hawks’ coach, replacing Rocky Gaudin.

Hancock has experience, returning 13 starters from last year’s team that went 4-8, 1-6 in Region 4-6A. Hancock has only reached the playoffs twice over the past 26 years: 1991 and 2014.

“Our expectations are to qualify for the state playoffs and have a successful season,” Lollar said. “We need to stay healthy to have a good season.”

Hancock will be led by its offense, which returning seven starters.

Three offensive linemen return: senior tackles Nick Rose and Devin Ladner, and junior guard Elijah Touchstone. Senior Destrain Barr and junior Dillon Smith will start at guard and center.

“It’s comforting for a first-year coach to have your offensive line back,” Lollar said. “They understand the grind it will take during the season.”

Hancock is also loaded at wide receiver, returning three starters: seniors Marquis Cherry, Chase McDonald and junior Brooks Rayburn. Cherry, who also played running back last season, ran for 698 yards and had 15 receptions for 188 yards. Chase McDonald caught 39 passes for 578 yards. Rayburn had 28 receptions for 477 yards.

Junior Blake Comeaux returns at running back.

“We’re very good at the skill positions,” Lollar said. “Running game will be our strong point.”

The Hawks’ biggest question mark is at quarterback. Senior Michael Durr and junior Caleb Garcia are battling to start under center against Pearl River Central on Aug. 18 at Brett Favre Field.

“Caleb and Michael are competing to see who takes our first snap,” Lollar said. “The biggest concern on offense is getting comfortable with a new quarterback.”

Defense

The Hawks’ defense returns six starters.

The entire secondary is back wiht strong safety Drake Necaise, free safety Michael Durr and cornerbacks Everett Ganier and Devin Delle. All four are seniors.

Both linebackers return: junior Trenton Ladner and senior Cameron Blaize. Ladner had 137 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss and four quarterback sacks.

Upfront for the Hawks will be bookends Chance Wedgeworth and Nick Irias, and noseguard Dylan Kapp. Wedgeworth and Kapp are juniors, Irias is a senior.

“Trenton is the one who makes us go on defense,” Lollar said. “Experience will be our strong point. Our secondary has a lot of experience. My concern on defense is making sure our down linemen communicate.”

Elliott Nolan will handle both punting and placekicking duties.

Lollar sees the Hawks competing for one of the four playoff berths in Region 4-6A.

“D’Iberville and Gulfport will both be strong, I don’t see Biloxi taking a step back,” Lollar said. “I see it as a wide-open race (for the other spot). We believe in what we have.”

This story was originally published August 11, 2017 at 4:00 AM with the headline "Hancock football ready to make noise in Region 4-6A under new coach."