On Friday, September 29th, the Eastern Hawks faced the Wayland Wildcats at home. Down by fourteen points in the second quarter, the Hawks were forced to pick up their intensity to have any chance at winning their Homecoming game. After a touchdown by Preston Hoexum (’24), making for Eastern’s first of the game, the Hawks cut the lead to seven, gaining momentum going into halftime. After halftime — during which the winners of Eastern’s Homecoming court, Nate Kelso (’24) and Elliot McAlpine (’24), were announced — Eastern continued their comeback. With a 29-yard touchdown run by Max Ferrick (’25), the Hawks were right back in it, tying up the game 14-14. They would go on to lead the Wildcats 21 to 14 at the end of the 3rd quarter and never look back. The final score was Eastern Hawks 28, to the Wayland Wildcats 14.

This win marked the Hawks’ fifth of the season, with their only loss coming from their neck-and-neck South Christian defeat. Led by Coach Schwander, this 5-1 record nearly guarantees the Hawks a spot in the playoffs, with three remaining games to earn themselves a high seed ranking. 

Following their Homecoming comeback win against the Wayland Wildcats, the 7th-ranked D4 Hawks take on the 3rd-ranked D5 Cougars from Catholic Central (MHSAA). Historically, the Cougars have proven themselves to be fierce opponents, with the Hawks last win against their rival occurring when the current seniors were in preschool. Although the record of wins between the two teams has been rather one-sided as of recent years, the Hawks have been on an upward trend the past few seasons, closing the gap between the teams’ point ratios. Both the Cougars and the Hawks have a current record of 5-1, which should make for an exciting game between the rivals. This game, occurring on October 6th at 7 p.m., marks the last home game of the season and senior night for the Hawks.

During senior night, Eastern’s 22 football seniors will be announced at halftime, with a brief summary of their favorite high school memories and future plans. This provides players, students, and family members with the opportunity to showcase their love and support for the seniors as they move on to the next stage of their lives, while also acknowledging all of the senior’s accomplishments throughout high school. 

Be sure to come celebrate the seniors and support the Hawks at 7 p.m. on Friday! The theme for the game is neon-out, so dress in the brightest colors you own to cheer on the Hawks as they take on their rivals the Catholic Central Cougars at home!