Hamilton Christian got back on the right track in 2023 after a winless 2022 season and returned to the playoffs.

Head coach Dexter Washington wants to continue to restore the Warrior program that just three seasons ago won a district championship.

“I’m optimistic about this season,” he said. “I’m humble about it. I’m excited about it. I just want to be able to bring the magic back that we had a couple of years ago. And be able to fill the stands. And make our program attractive to the city.

“What we did learn was that we still were a competitive football team. We still learned that we could go out and compete no matter what. We knew that we had to be disciplined in order to do that.”

The key for the Warriors this season is their experienced offensive and defense line. Four return on the offensive side in seniors Derwin Rankins (5-9, 295), Germilyn McGruder (5-11, 195) and sophomore center Grant Menard (5-9, 180). McGruder, Noah Menard (6-0, 180), Rankins and Grant Menard will lead the Warriors’ defensive front. Senior Traveon Savoy (6-2, 220) is the lone new starter on the line and will play on both sides.

“Well, you know, I don’t want to put no bad vibes on this, but the strength of the team this year is coming back, which is probably in the trenches. We got most of our kids back in the offensive and defensive lines.”

With a strong offensive line, returning first-team all-district athlete Javon Vital should have another big year under center. He had a brief stint at wide receiver last year after returning from an injury but will be the full-time quarterback this year.

The Warriors do have one problem they have rarely dealt with — finding new skill players on offense and defensive backs. Usually, they have several experienced ones ready to go each year, but the Warriors lost their top pass catchers in Sammy Knight and Messiah Simien and running back Kylin Alexander, who accounted for 24 touchdowns. They return just one in the defensive secondary in sophomore Jayden Jasmine, who earned second-team all-district honors last year.

But what they may lack in experience, the Warriors make up with in speed. Wide receiver Kaleb Bigwood and running back Jasmine were members of the 2023 Class 1A state champion 4×100 and 4×400-meter relay teams. Other receivers will be Noah Menard and Seth Ned and senior Kevin Lewis at running back.

Transfer Caleb Steward, a 5-9, 180-pound junior, will anchor the defense at free safety.

He’s going to be the trifecta kid,” Washington said. “He’ll play free safety. He’ll play wide receiver. He’ll play quarterback.

“He’ll learn multiple positions. He is a wirery, smart kid and understands what we’re trying to get done. He loves to work out and loves to watch film. You know, just a very committed kid. Stewart will be the quarterback of the defense and make sure everybody’s in the right places and doing everything they’re supposed to.”

Seniors Stephen Allen and Lewis return at linebacker and sophomores Kelby McMahon and Justin Weston will start at cornerback.

HAMILTON CHRISTIAN

Mascot: Warriors.

Home field: Cougar Stadium.

District: 4-1A.

Playoff division: Select Division IV.

Head coach: Dexter Washington.

Head coach career record: 15-13.

2023 record (Dist.): 4-7 (3-3).

Last time in playoffs (round): 2023 (bi-district)

Returning starters (offense/defense): 8/7

Key players lost: Sammy Knight (WR), Messiah Simien (DL), Kylan Alexander (RB).

Top returners: Devwin Rankins (OL/DL), Javon Vital (QB), Grant Menard (OL/DL), Jayden Jasmine (WR/DB), Stephen Allen (OL/LB).

Schedule

Sept. 6 at DeQuincy

Sept. 13 vs. Highland Baptist

Sept. 20 vs. Vinton

Sept. 26 at St. John (Thurs.)

Oct. 4 Bye

Oct. 11 vs. Grand Lake*

Oct. 18 at Elton*

Oct. 25 at Oberlin*

Nov. 1 vs. Merryville*

Nov. 7 vs. Basile* (Thurs.)

*District 4-1A game