South Fork gears up for more Pony football
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KINCAID — The 2024 South Fork varsity football team pose for a group picture at Jack Hanlon Stadium.
Sara Wake Photo
KINCAID — Kincaid, Edinburg and Morrisonville all have one thing in common come every Fall season, South Fork football. The 8-man Ponies team ended their season with a 7-3 overall record and a 4-1 record in conference (8-Man South). Still hungry for more, Head Coach Zack Hanlon and crew are eager to get back on the gridiron grind.
Since he was a youngster, Coach Hanlon has known sports, particularly football, to be a passion of his. It should be obvious given his mentor was his dad, Jack “The Hammer” Hanlon.
“I knew I wanted to coach football before my own football career was even over,” He comments. “My dad was a High School football coach so I spent countless hours at the football field before I was even able to play.”
Hanlon enters his second year in his personal head coaching journey. To say season number one was a success would be putting it lightly.
“Last year we had an exceptional season,” Says Hanlon. “We finished 7-3, lost those 3 games by a total of 22 points. Last year’s playoff experience has bolstered our overall numbers and off season training commitment.”
South Fork took a light but impactful hit losing three players to graduation (OL/DL) Connor Henley and Colin Elder as well as (TE/DB) Vincent Edwards. However, the momentum is no doubt on the Ponies side with the team returning seven of its key players from 2023. These young men include senior offensive captain (QB/DB) Jarred Tracey and junior defensive captain (OL/DL) Carter Elder. Players such as junior (RB/DE) George Bailey, junior (RB/DB) Ian Dial, junior (WR/DB) Brody Lush, junior (OL/MLB) Brody Pop, and junior (DE) Jhude Walker are also making their return.
Every single Pony, however, has been working this offseason to improve two fundamental aspects of their individual and overall team play.
“Speed and strength was our number one priority in the off season,” Hanlon explains. “We look to be faster and more aggressive on both sides of the ball.”
Being quick, strong and motivated is nice but having the drive and determination to make a deep playoff run is the next step for the Orange and Black. The help from a few emerging young faces might aid in that fact. South Fork’s coaching staff attention has been tickled by 6’2 sophomore (TE/DB) Miles Norris and 6’3 freshman (DE) Stephon Fields.
“This is a very special group of kids,” The Head Coach states. “I have never seen a team work in the offseason like they have. They have told me time and time again they are no longer content with making the playoffs, they are ready to make a run.”
For now, though, the crew has their sights focused on the week one matchup against the Blue Ridge/DeLand-Weldon Knights. The matchup will take place in Farmer City come Friday, Aug. 30 with kickoff coming at 7:00 p.m.
“Week one game one is all we are looking at right now,” Head Coach Hanlon tells. “We have made it a point to not overlook anyone and take it one game at a time.”
