Harper football team ready, finally, for action
After having its scheduled season opener with NAIA school Trinity International canceled because of changes in NAIA rules, the Harper College football team will finally be able to hit somebody in different colored uniforms Sunday.
That’s when Wisconsin-Whitewater, ranked No. 1 in NCAA Division III, comes to Palatine to open the Hawks’ season at 1 p.m.
Harper finished last season 2-7 overall and 1-6 in the Midwest Football Conference.
“I think we are bigger and more athletic then we have been in the last couple of years” said third-year Harper coach Eric Waldstein.
The Hawks will be without the several key members of last year’s defense, including Dave Hettiger (LB), Eric Pallmore-Lett (CB), Chris Staton (Murry State) and Devin Henderson (Eastern Michigan).
Also absent on the defensive side of the ball is cornerback Jamal McFarland (Hoffman Estates) — but he’s still on the team. Waldstein opted to use McFarland as a receiver this season.
Another player making a position switch is Carmel grad Jackson Davenport. He was asked to play several positions last season, including running back and quarterback. This time he will be asked to play only one position — safety.
“He’s really thrived there,” Waldstein said of Jackson.
Two players that do return for the Hawks’ defense are linebacker Louis Erkins and safety Jamel High. Among the new faces are freshman defensive end Bret Barcher (Crystal Lake South) and Eastern Michigan transfer Darius Moffit.
“If we are going to be sucessfully on the defensive line, it has to be by committee,” Waldstein said.
The offense has gone through its fair share of changes as well. The Hawks are looking to freshman quarterback Cody Miller (Sandburg) to shore up a position that has been a problem the last two seasons.
Waldstein characterized Miller as “gunslinger.” He’ll have help making the transition to this level of play in veteran receiver Mark Larson.
The Hawks’ offensive line will be anchored by returning starter Rafiel Flores at guard.
“We are a lot bigger and more athletic up front,” said Waldstein. “I think we might have three or four Division I offensive linemen before it is all said and done.”
A player to watch for the Hawks is Greg Kennedy (Warren). He is in his second year as a student at Harper, but this is his first season with the football team. Waldstein said Kennedy is not a big back but says his speed is something the Hawks have been lacking.
As always the Hawks will tackle a difficult schedule, including a new opponent in Dakota College at Bottineau. Waldstein said Dakota-Bottineau is looking to become a member of the Midwest Football Conference.
Of the 10 teams on this year’s schedule, four are ranked in their respective governing body’s poll.
Harper’s Midwest Football Conference opener is at Iowa Central on Sept. 17.