By: Reilly Boone
For years, Hoggard football has not only been rebuilding as a team, but as a family- and their hard work has finally paid off. After fifteen years, the Hoggard Vikings found themselves at the state championship game once again, this time playing somewhere bigger than Hoggard’s Scott Braswell Stadium; NC State’s very own Carter Finley Stadium. Fans and players alike have been in awe of the hard work and dedication of this program.
The 2023 season started with a tough loss against Cleveland- the win just barely slipped through the Vikings’ fingers. However, this disappointing defeat only fueled the vikings, leading to a perfect regular season. Hoggard Football proved their dominance on and off the field this season, win after win, and with support from each player, whether they were cheering on the sidelines or on the field rushing yards. Their relentless spirit showed when they won the MEC championship following 5 touchdowns, courtesy of M’kel Bellamy and Javion Joseph.
After a successful regular season the team didn’t slow down. In the 5 playoff games they put up a total of 226 points and only allowed 81, an impressive ratio considering the caliber teams they faced. On the last home game of the year, fans packed the stadium
dressed in their holiday attire, blaring horns, cheering the team on, and celebrating a historic win amidst fireworks. Although the championship the following week lacked the outcome Hoggard hoped for, the support given to them throughout the season was a contributing factor to their impressive record.
The final dance for the team took place on Saturday December 9th, 2023. The stadium lights shone bright as members of the Hoggard community- students and alumni alike- packed the stands to cheer on the team for the state championship. The loss was tough. There is no denying the disappointment, but the joy that came from the Viking community was enough for the team.
The Hoggard players were overwhelmingly positive about the family that Hoggard football has given them. Many senior players and other team members took to Instagram to express their gratitude to the program. Quarterback Hudson Wilharm said, “I couldn’t be more proud of us and what we accomplished, and I wouldn’t change anything about our time together. Now as my time on Shipyard comes to a close, I can’t express enough gratitude to everyone that was involved in my time here... This place is and always will be special to me. Forever a Viking”. Cornerback Jermaine Armour added " No words can explain the amount of gratitude I have for Hoggard and this team. Football has given me a second home and I am forever thankful for that.” Tight end Charlie Kilbourne stated “A dream come true”, in reference to his touchdown during the State Championship.
It is safe to say that these boys care more about each other and what the program has done for them these past 4 years than a win or loss.
Head Coach Craig Underwood should be proud of the team he built this season- this year's story is proof that you don’t have to always win to make history in a community.
In addition, multiple players from the team were recognized for their accomplishments in this year’s season. Aniziyon Session completed 1000 rushing yards, Hudson Wilharm was named player of the year by Coastal Prep’s Tim Hower, alongside Reagan Printy who was defensive player of the year. Charles Kilbourne won the NCHSAA sportsmanship award, and many other athletes were recognized for their incredible achievements this season.
This team will forever and always be a family.
Once a viking, always a viking.
All images shot and edited by Reilly Boone
