Coach sees ‘good things’ from Hawks

Holly Springs stepped up a few classifications for its spring game competition.

The 3A Hawks faced Center Hill, which is moving from 5A to 6A, on May 21 at Sam Coopwood Park.

“We need to learn to compete at a high level,” coach Sylvester Hemphill said.

“We have a very competitive district, and going against teams like Center Hill will help prepare us to play and win at that level.”

He said he saw lots of “good things” in the spring contest.

“I thought senior running back Demerion Hamer had some bright spots,” Hemphill said. “The whole offensive line, from an execution standpoint, looked adequate.

“Defensively, we must be better at stopping the run.

“Offensively, we have to be able to pass the ball — complete a higher percentage.” New quarterback Deonte Jefferson, a sophomore, will be trying to fill some big shoes with the graduation of Dylan King.

“It’s all coming at him really fast right now,” Hemphill said. “We need a great summer with him, and hopefully the game will slow down for him some.

“I think he can do it. I feel good about him.”

The roster was low in numbers, about 25, for the spring game. But he expects that to increase since Holly Springs High School will return to a regular, in-person school schedule next year ­ not virtual.

“We certainly need more bodies so we can rotate guys and give them some breathers without a drop-off in talent,” Hemphill said. “That helps you a lot. We need kids out here who are truly interested in being a part of this football team.”

A summer program, which was missed last year due to COVID, will also be crucial to the Hawks’ success when the season rolls around. Hemphill will work his

squad this summer in the weight room, at mini-camps and in seven-on-seven competition.

“This is going to help our kids tremendously,” he said. “We didn’t have that luxury last year.

“When they got here in August, we had to get them in shape.” The schedule will see changes, starting with Briarcrest Christian School (Tenn.) on the road August 20 to kick off the season. That opener will be followed by away games against Northside and Ripley. The home opener is September 10 versus Caledonia. The final two non-district games will be J.Z. George away on September 17 and Hatley for homecoming September 24.

The District 2-3A slate begins October 1 at home versus Independence. After an open date, the Hawks will go to Rosa Fort October 15 and then wrap up the regular season with back-to-back home games against Byhalia and North Panola.

“The schedule doesn’t get any easier,” Hemphill said. “We have some tough non-district games, and then our district is always strong.

“We have to step up our game. We have to rise to the challenge.” The Hawks finished 1-8 last season (0-4 in the district). Hemphill lost eight seniors off that squad.