 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Eric Richardson | Dewayne Downey | Brody Richardson |
TEAM: Hanover Area Hawkeyes
COLORS: Blue & White
COACH: Eric Richardson, 2nd Season (6-5)
PIAA: Class 4A
2026 CONFERENCE: WVC Division 2
2025 RECORD: 6-5 (3-2 in conference)
RECORD LAST FIVE SEASONS: 14-37
STADIUM: Hanover Memorial Stadium
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Pro I
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 4-4
2026 PREVIEW
Hanover Area posted its first winning season since 2014 and showed signs of turning the corner in head coach Eric Richardson’s first year. If the Hawkeyes are going to improve on last season’s six-win campaign, they’ll have to do it in a new division against one of the toughest schedules in the WVC. The foundation, however, appears to be in place for continued success.
The strength of the team is its skill-position talent, led by returning quarterback Logan Richardson, who threw for 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns last season. Dewayne Downey returns at running back, while Evan Rought will also see carries. Brody Richardson is back at fullback but is also expected to line up at tailback.
Conor Richardson returns at wide receiver, while Angel Tejeda, Eli Hickenson, and Luke Willis round out the receiving corps. Greg McCoy is the projected starter at tight end, with Brody Richardson also expected to see time there. Sophomore Dawin Downey earned All-Star honors last season but is currently recovering from an injury.
The offensive line will be the key to Hanover Area’s success, but the Hawkeyes return three starters: left tackle John Boehm, left guard Ricardo Feliciano, and center Jackson Yancey. Ronnie Santos and Jose Mercado are expected to compete for the right guard position, while Urijah Revis and Bryan Feliciano will battle for the starting job at right tackle. Lucas Cruz provides depth up front.
Defensively, Hanover Area also returns valuable experience. Boehm and Revis are back at defensive tackle, while Santos and Brandon Krajkowski step in to be the new defensive ends. Brody Richardson and Cruz return at inside linebacker, while Conor Richardson is back at outside linebacker with McCoy expected to start on the opposite side.
Tejeda returns at cornerback, with Hickenson projected to start at the other corner. Dewayne Downey is also back at safety, while Willis provides depth in the secondary.
Aiden Hollock takes over both the kicking and punting duties, while Conor Richardson returns as the team’s long snapper.
QUOTE FROM COACH RICHARDSON:We moved up a class while facing a challenging schedule. With a small roster, our success will be dictated by how healthy we can stay. We return key players at key positions. We will be leaning on our leaders and our experience as many returners are 3 year starters. The program took a big step forward last year and we are excited to see what this season brings.
RETURNING ALL-STARS – WVC DIVISION 2
Honorable Mention Quarterback – Logan Richardson
Honorable Mention Running Backs – Dewayne Downey
Honorable Mention Wide Receiver – Connor Richardson
Honorable Mention Athlete – Dawin Downey
Honorable Mention Defensive Lineman – Brody Richardson
