“I’m going to miss the love of being around the players, especially players you’ve grown up with and played with since middle school. You’re on the same page with those guys for so long and once you get to college you’re in a new environment and don’t really know all of those guys that well. They have to grow on you and you have to grow on them. I’m also going to miss all my family members, the coaching staff and all the wonderful fan support here. When you play in college your immediate family might be there, but it’s not like in high school where all your family is there along with all your local fans,” Hawkins added.

Coach Hicks was quite enthusiastic about the success and determination of his two All-State stars, but also knows Baldwin is headed in the right direction, and will be quite competitive for many years to come.

“We have a talented young quarterback coming back and experience on both sides of the ball, especially on the offensive line. We also have an experienced running back that will be a lot of help to us. But most importantly we have great leadership and team discipline. We’re going to be alright,” Hicks said.

Coach Hicks also remarked that football can open doors of opportunity for those who participate.

“Football can also be a wonderful avenue for many things, but it’s up to us to make sure these fine young men get to where they need to be going. A lot of the success we had during our undefeated regular season was due to having hard-working players with great character.”