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Legendary Hermantown coach Mike Zagelmeyer said he liked his team's approach in a 56-12 high school football nonconference victory at Esko on Thursday afternoon.
The Hawks led 28-0 late in the first half and thoroughly dominated Esko physically and statistically, while amassing 376 yards of total offense.
"We were pretty darn focused and motivated throughout, and, as a result, we played a pretty complete game," Zagelmeyer said of the Hawks' sixth win in seven starts. "Offensively, we spread the ball around nicely, allowing six different guys to find the endzone. Our line did an excellent job blocking it up. We have a lot of guys who can make some plays on this team, but they really can't show it off until we get it blocked up on the front end.
"I think our line has gone a little unnoticed but as most people who know football can attest to games are won and lost up front, and they continue to do a great job without much recognition."
Zagelmeyer also applauded the play of speedy wide receiver Kale Smith.
"Kale made a tremendous catch right in front of our bench that we needed badly at the time," said Zagelmeyer. "He also did a tremendous job blocking on the perimeter allowing Martin Sleen to do what he does best."
Sleen, a sophomore sensation, rushed for 157 yards on only 13 carries and scored two touchdowns.
"Martin continues to amaze everyone with his speed and elusiveness," said Zagelmeyer.
Senior quarterback Alex Schott threw for three touchdowns, completing 10 of 14 passes for 166 yards.
"Alex complemented our run game nicely by spreading things out in the pass game," Zagelmeyer said.
Zagelmeyer acknowledged that the Hawks weren't perfect defensively, but they were physical up front and rallied to the football.
"Andre Morton had another great game for us at defensive end, his second standout game in a row," said Zagelmeyer. "Aidan Adamski was tremendously disruptive for the Esko offense as we moved him around a little. When Esko tried to get to the perimeter, I was pleased with how our defensive backs came up and tackled it – Smith, Tanner Homstad, Bode Madill, Landon Burg and Schott."
Hermantown will visit Duluth Denfeld (5-1) in the Northeast Red Game of the Week on Wednesday night, as both teams wrap up regular-season play.
"Obviously, this has playoff seeding implications, so it is a big game," said Zagelmeyer. "We had a couple great games with Denfeld last year so hopefully this game lives up to the hype that everyone has been talking about. We need to keep our emotions in check and play our game. We are looking forward to the challenge."
The Hunters are led by senior halfback Taye Manns (11,142 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, 10.8 yards per carry, 190.3 yards per game), senior lineman Rajon Gamble and junior quarterback Lee Brooks.
