Harmon continues building process

Dion Clisso/PrepsKC

By Dion Clisso PrepsKC Managing Editor
Posted: August 19, 2010 - 5:47 PM



The rebuilding process continues at Harmon and the enthusiasm is high for the Hawks. Even with a slight delay in starting practice due to physicals, Harmon hit the field Wednesday ready to start laying the groundwork for a successful season.

Just three seasons ago the Hawks went winless, but they were able to get one victory in 2008. New coach Calvin Davenport took over last season and doubled the win total as things are starting to turn around.

For this senior class, a couple of close losses gave them an appetite for winning and this year they look to take that next big step. Senior Chris Richards said he couldn’t wait for his senior year to start.

“There’s no way to describe how I feel right now,” Richards said. “This is my senior year, it’s my last year and I’ve been ready to practice. Unfortunately we got off to a late start but we are hitting it hard today and that’s all you can hope for.”

The effort level was high and the upperclassmen were trying to provide that key leadership to the younger players. Senior tight end/defensive end Cornell Duley said he was using these first few days to work on conditioning and leadership.

“I’m just trying to get back in shape and get these young guys ready,” Duley said. “Our senior guys are just trying to get it back in shape and ready for the season.”

The calling card for the Hawks last year was its improving defense and this year Harmon wants to get its offense on that same level. Richards is the leader of that defense and said that is his favorite part of playing football.

“There is not other feeling (hitting people),” Richards said. “You know it’s one on one and once you make that tackle nothing feels better.”

Richards, Duley and the other seniors have high goals. They want to end their careers on a high note and bring home some hardware at the same time.

“I want to league (the Kansas City Kansas Conference),” Richards said. “We came a few drives away from winning it, or tying it. So I just want to win it this year. I think we can do it.”

Duley has even higher goals.

“We got get our team to state, that’s our goal,” Duley said. “Work hard, practice hard, get to state. That’s what we want to do and win.”

Harmon opens the season Sept. 3 at home against Washington.

Dion Clisso is the Managing Editor of PrepsKC. To reach him send e-mail to dion@prepskc.com.