The 2009 season is certainly one for the Holly Springs High School record books. The Hawks completed their first winning season ever ending with a 7- 4 record. They saw their first ever road victories, their first ever win “streak” (six games) and some huge upsets, including the win over the Fuquay Varina Bengals that solidified a real rivalry between the two teams for years to come, and they had their first ever trip into post season play. However, their Friday the 13th first play-off appearance is a night that will stick with the Hawks for a while. Their luck ran out, and they came home without a post season win. The Hawks lost to the New Hanover Wildcats 24 – 0.

The Hawks had to travel over two hours to Legion Field in Wilmington, the well worn and saturated home field of the Wildcats. In Friday’s first round playoff match up, the Hawks won the toss and elected to receive, but they were unable to get a drive together and had to punt deep in their own zone. The New Hanover Wildcats took advantage of this field position and put the first points of the game on the board with a field goal. That was all that the Wildcats needed for the win. New Hanover finished up the first half with a touchdown and a 10-0 lead. They scored again in the third and fourth quarters on long pass plays.

The Hawks only real scoring opportunities came on two Nick Hohns field goal attempts, each at least 45 yards, which had the distance, but off target.

The Hawks were well supported by fans that took the long drive to Wilmington on a charter bus. They stayed with them until the very end, cheering on a team they are all very proud of. The most difficult part of the game came after the majority of the team exited the field after the final words from Coach Hynus. Senior players spontaneously remained behind; as they knew once they walked off the field, they’d be taking the purple and gold uniform off for the last time. Many hugs between players and coaches finished off a memorable Hawk season.

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