2021 PFN Team Preview: The Hickory Hornets @BillBillDungee @HHSDailyBuzz @HSD_Athletics

Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 10, News

TC Jones | June 15, 2021

Hickory Hornets

Head Coach: Bill Dungee

Assistant Coaches:

Ed Roberson
Mike Schneider
Neil Gargano
Ross Gargano
Mike Bochert
Laron Allen
Tim Jones
Brandon Chambers
Frank Scarvel
Dakota Burnett
Chris Massey

2020 Record: 8-1

2021 Hickory Hornets PFN Team Page

DATE	OPPONENT	LOCATION	TIME/SCORE
08-21	@ West Middlesex (SCR)	Big Reds Stadium	1:00 pm
08-21	vs. Fort LeBoeuf (SCR)	West Middlesex	1:00 pm
08-27	vs. Ursuline (OH) (0-0)	Hornets Stadium	7:00 pm
09-03	@ Girard (0-0)	Battles Memorial Field	7:00 pm
09-10	@ Sharon (0-0) *	Sharon Tiger Stadium	7:00 pm
09-17	vs. Conneaut (OH) (0-0) *	Hornets Stadium	7:00 pm
09-24	vs. Mercyhurst Prep (0-0)	Hornets Stadium	7:00 pm
10-01	vs. Titusville (0-0) *	Hornets Stadium	7:00 pm
10-08	@ Slippery Rock (0-0) *	Slippery Rock Stadium	7:00 pm
10-15	@ Grove City (0-0) *	Forker Field	7:00 pm
10-22	@ Corry (0-0)	Howard Sheen Field	7:00 pm
10-29	vs. Farrell (0-0)	Hornets Stadium	7:00 pm

* – denotes league game
(SCR) – denotes scrimmage

Rewind

With a successful 2020 season and District 10 Class 3A title behind them, the Hickory Hornets are looking to replicate last season’s efforts, especially the explosive offense that scored over 40 points in five games. 

But with much of the offensive line and quarterback Michael Henwood moved on due to graduation, how the Hornets will perform on the field will be largely determined by new players and last year’s backups filling essential roles. 

“We feel great about the kids poised to take over in those positions,” head coach Bill Dungee explained. “But how fast they progress will be the key to have another year of explosive offense.”

Talented young players 

Dungee is excited by the Hornet’s plethora of talent but also realizes that the young players will need to gain experience, especially on defense.

“We have a lot of young talented players, but because we play a lot of press man coverage, our guys need a lot of reps,” Dungee said. “The quicker we can get our younger guys playing fast and physical, the quicker we’ll be back to playing great defense.”

Expectations don’t change

The Hickory Hornets have created a proud winning culture, and the expectations heading into every season remain the same. 

Dungee makes sure the Hornets uphold that winning culture. “At Hickory, our kids understand that the expectations don’t change from year to year. We expect to beat our rival, go undefeated at home, and compete for the Region and District 10 championship.”

Veteran leadership

The Hornets will be looking to the leadership of senior All-State veterans, wide receiver/linebacker Jackson Pryts and wide receiver/safety Ramarion Whitehead. Both are three-year starters and receiving Division 1 interest. 

The mix of returning talent and young talent makes Hickory one of the favorites to defend its district title. 

Key Starters Lost:

Michael Henwood 

Rocco Iacino 

Dalton Beatty 

Michael Trinchese 

Matty Canone 

Key Returning Players:

Offense:

Jackson Pryts SR WR  6’5 210 

Ramarion Whitehead SR WR 6’3 170 

Clay Wiesen SR RB 5’9 170 

Joey Fazzone SR OT 6’2 230 

Sammy Mancino SR OG 6’2 235 

Collin Richards SR OG 5’10 210

Defense:

Sr. LB Jackson Pryts, 6-5, 210 

Ramarion Whitehead SR FS 6’3 170 

Clay Wiesen SR. SS 5’9 170

Joey Fazzone SR DT 6’2 230 

Sammy Mancino SR DE 6’2 235 

Tai’Zhean Cameron SR LB 6’2 170 

Keenan Scullin SO DB 5’11 175

Special Teams:

Lucas Jones SO K/P 5’11 180 

Key Newcomers:

Sena Kennedy SI RB/LB 5’10 200 

Logan Woods JR QB 5’10 190 

Ty Holland JR TE/LB 5’11 185 

Peyton Lawrence JR DE  6-2 200

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