By Staff
Hartselle graduate starring at linebacker for Hawks
Nick Johnston, Hartselle Enquirer
MONTGOMERY – It appears Hodge Patterson's decision to play football for Huntingdon College is paying off … with playing time.
Patterson, a 2003 graduate of Hartselle High School, decided to attend Huntingdon and be part of the first ever Hawks College football team, and he is making his presence felt.
Sept. 27 against Wabash College, Patterson made eight tackles – four for a loss – forced a fumble and registered two quarterback sacks.
Patterson said he couldn't be happier with his decision to head to Montgomery.
"It's fun getting to play right now," Patterson said. "We got a good group down here, we all have positive attitudes, which means good things down the road."
Huntingdon is an NCAA Division III school and is a member of the Great South Conference. However, since it is the first year the school has fielded a team, it is not eligible for a conference championship.
The Hawks will be next year, though.
Thus far, Huntingdon has lost all three of its games played. But with a team full of freshman and just five upperclassmen, it's expected.
"We've been hanging with teams early in games," Patterson said. "But, we lack experience. We are a bunch of freshman and sophomores playing against guys who are juniors and seniors, so it's tough."
When asked about highlights of the season so far, he thought back to when Huntingdon played Edward Walters College.
He was one of the up-men on a kick-off and received the kick by accident. He turned up field and went 40 yards to set up a drive for the Hawks. In that game he also made several tackles.
Patterson is seeing a lot of playing time. He said the defensive coordinator likes to keep players fresh, and rotates players in and out every four downs.
Patterson was a little surprised at the talent on the Division III level, though.
"I didn't think it was that much of a difference from high school," he said. "Just watching tapes it looked like high schools playing. But, the players are stronger and faster than I expected."
Patterson and the Hawks have three games remaining this season, including one this weekend at 1 p.m. in Montgomery at St. James. Oct. 25, Huntingdon will play in Sewanee, Tenn., against The University of the South at 1:30 p.m. The team's final game of the season in Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. in Montgomery.