Hoggard football cruises past North Brunswick in biggest win of the season
Nothing felt right for the Hoggard High School football team 343 days ago.
The Wilmington school had just suffered its second loss of the 2022 season, but something much worse was lurking amongst the Vikings that day.
In a grueling defensive battle that ended in a 6-0 defeat to North Brunswick, the team lost starting quarterback Hudson Wilharm for the season to a broken collarbone. That game would go on to shape the remainder of the year for Hoggard, as it struggled to find its footing without Wilharm and ultimately finished third in the Mideastern Conference.
The emotions stirred by that low-scoring game in Leland nearly a year ago haven't faded from the minds of Hoggard's players and coaches, making Friday night's 52-0 victory over North Brunswick all the more satisfying.
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"We're challenging (our players) to improve every week," Hoggard coach Craig Underwood said. "I thought this was by far our most clean game in terms of execution."
The Vikings (3-1) erupted with ferocity in Week 5, scoring 42 points in the first half alone. Wilharm, who returned this season, threw five touchdowns in two quarters before being rested in the second half.
"It meant just a little bit more for me," Wilharm said of the win. "Last year, not being able to play and be out there with my teammates, it really hurt. I have a great team around me ... I'm put in perfect situations every time, and I just have to do my job."
Despite a season-opening loss to Cleveland, Hoggard has won three consecutive games and is starting to showcase why it's considered a favorite to clinch the conference title this season.
"I think the physicality and speed that we saw in nonconference games, I'm a big believer in trying to get those tough games," Underwood said of Hoggard's tough start to the season.
Everything seemed to go wrong for the Scorpions (3-1), who couldn't score a single point after averaging more than 55 points per game entering the contest.
The resilience and passion displayed by Hoggard in Week 5 showed the team isn't ready to relinquish its status as one of the area's most dominant programs, something Wilharm says gives them confidence.
"I think that first loss really made us hungrier," Wilharm said. "The win definitely helps (our confidence), and I think we can keep the momentum rolling for the rest of the season."
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Hoggard High School football dismantles North Brunswick in giant win
