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Hawks Have A Solid Supporting Cast

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By ADAM ADKINS

aadkins@tampatrib.com

Published: December 5, 2008

Every football team has its share of standouts. The difference in whether or not that football team is successful in the long run is the play of the supporting cast around the star players.

At Armwood, that model is no different.

The Hawks have their share of headline-grabbers in quarterback Mywan Jackson, defensive lineman Ryne Giddins, safety Angelo Hadley and linebacker Petey Smtih, all considered to be among the state's best at their respective positions. But a big reason Armwood is 12-0 this season and playing at Plant tonight in a Class 4A region final is the solid efforts week in and week out of the Hawks around them, players who can only be described as the team's unsung heroes.

With a singular goal of being crowned Class 4A state champions, members of the Hawks' supporting cast have put aside any thoughts of individual stardom for the sake of team accomplishments. That unselfishness has helped build a team that is recognized as one of the nation's best.

"They understand their role, and everybody fits in real well here," Armwood coach Sean Callahan said.

Here's a closer look at a few of Armwood's unsung heroes.

DILLARD HURLEY

Dillard Hurley could very well be the most underrated player on the Hawks.

A three-year starter on the offensive line, the past two at center, the senior is described by offensive coordinator Chris Taylor as the line's "most consistent performer all year."

Had it not been for Hurley, the Hawks' offense might not have moved away from its vaunted triple-option into the spread this season.

"I've always been reluctant to go to the shotgun because I didn't trust high school centers," Taylor said, "but Dillard I trust, and that says a lot."

Whether it's power run blocking or providing protection for the quarterback in passing situations, Hurley simply takes pride in being on the front line moving people around.

"It takes playmakers to really get down and get in the dirt and get things going," Hurley said.

MATT EASTMAN

Matt Eastman knows all about making sacrifices for the sake of the team.

As a fullback, Eastman occupied one of the most sought-after positions last season in the Hawks' triple-option offense. But when the Hawks switched to the spread option this season, Eastman found himself in a seldom-used role, which was tough to handle early on.

"The first couple of games, I'm not going to lie, I was pretty disappointed in how much I was getting the ball," Eastman said. "But I realized it wasn't about me getting the ball as much. It was about doing what we had to do to win. And if doing what we have to do to win is me blowing up the linebacker so little Tavari Grant can run behind me, or Mywan can run behind me, then that's what I have to do. I'm cool so long as we keep winning."

Eastman has modest numbers this season (400 rushing yards and six touchdowns), but his contributions can't be overlooked. The Hawks often look to the senior to gain the tough yards in short-yardage situations and lean on him near the end of the game to run the clock out.

MARIO WILLIAMS

When Mario Williams arrived last December as a transfer from Hillsborough, he knew nothing was going to be handed to him. His goal was to work himself into a starting role on a vaunted Hawks defense.

The senior accomplished that task and has become a staple in Armwood's secondary. Williams has 31 tackles and one interception this season, and he's third on the team with eight passes defended.

"He's not a big-name guy, doesn't have a lot of interceptions, but he's always in there making plays," defensive coordinator Matt Thompson said. "He's very coachable. He never talks back, always very attentive, willing to learn."

Williams describes himself as a physical corner, one who is enthusiastic and "will talk a little bit." He's also a sure-fire example of how Armwood players, even newcomers, quickly buy into the team concept.

"I just want to do my job," Williams said. "I accept my role very well."

CASEY CALLAHAN

The term blue-collar might not fit a Hawks player better than Casey Callahan.

The senior linebacker, the son of Armwood's longtime coach, simply goes about his business every game - healthy or not. And when he's on the field, Callahan always finds a way to be productive.

For the second consecutive year, Callahan ranks among the team's leaders in tackles with 63 stops on the season.

"I think he has the fewest missed tackles than anyone on the team," defensive coordinator Matt Thompson said.

The workman-like approach has served Callahan well during his two years as a starter, and while he may not find his way into the limelight as often as some of his defensive teammates, he knows he can take a sense of pride with any accolade afforded to any member of the unit.

"I believe a lot of the stuff I do sets up other people to make the big play," said Callahan, who has verbally committed to Stony Brook. "That's how our defense works. Everyone does their part."

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