The Skinny
Coach Matt Dickman enters his 7th year as head coach for the Harrison Hoyas. During his tenure, the Hoyas have finished with no less than 5 wins each season and have qualified for the playoffs for the last three seasons. We asked Coach Dickman what his team’s biggest challenge is coming into the 2019 campaign.
“Preparing kids over the summer- things have changed- kids are pulled all directions now, “ he said.
He continued by saying, “Next- getting players to be all in for their teammates. Accountability.”
The Hoyas return quarterback Gavin Hall. Hall, an All-Region selection in 2018 passed for 1,323 yards and 12-TDs. Behind Hall in the backfield will be David Roberts, another All-Region selection. As a junior, Roberts led the team with 518 yards rushing and 10-TDs. He also caught 11 balls last season.
Jay Ziglor should help steady the Hoyas at receiver, last season he was an All-Region selection and is poised to improve on his production from 2018.
Defensively, the Hoyas return two All-Region performers in Ryan Smith at linebacker and Victor Pless in the secondary. Smith led the team in solo and total tackles (43 and 77 respectively); while Pless led the defense with three interceptions. Micaiah Bell could be in line for a big season for the Hoyas along the defensive line.
We asked Coach Dickman if there were any games circled on the schedule this season.
“All (of the) Region games,” he said.
How will success be defined by the Hoya program in 2019?
“(By) Staying healthy and staying accountable to their teammates,” Dickman responded.
