D3 2025 early outlook.

[Throwaway5678]

Yes Hartleys offensive line did not have a great year last year. It’s the truth. They couldn’t move the ball against a few teams on their schedule, Ironton, Watterson, and Ursuline. When the running back is bouncing off of tackles in the backfield that’s an assignment issue. Also the limitations of the offensive scheme gives defenses the advantage on predictability. Hartley ran the same offense for 15 years, hell even Watterson shifted to a version of the spread.

It will be interesting to watch this years game. With a change in philosophy I’ll be interested to see what Watterson does to defend it. Should be fun!

Hartley's line was fine last year. D1 offers say little about how good of a high school player someone is. Hartley had very few players with D1 offers during their runs and won because of their effort and technique similar to current Watty and Liberty.

 

[TMEW]

Hartley's line was fine last year. D1 offers say little about how good of a high school player someone is. Hartley had very few players with D1 offers during their runs and won because of their effort and technique similar to current Watty and Liberty.

This is correct. Talent trumps all. This guy clearly didn't like Burchfield and clearly hated a consistent winner. If this is the typical fan at Hartley (which it's not), no wonder the old coach left. Monday morning QB's who blame all the problems on bad o-line play and not passing enough. The teams he mentions were either a state champion or a final 4 team. Ironton (state champ), Watterson (state champ), Ursuline (final 4). Could it be that these teams where just better than all this DI talent Hartley had? Of course, but it's easier to blame coaching and the o-line. Again I ask, in these 15 years of running this terrible offense, how many state championships did they win? How many playoff games? How many league championships? I don't really know but I do know it was more than a couple. Hartley was a spread team before BB and now they will be a spread team again. I know it didn't work the first time but maybe this new coach will make it work this time, but to bash a consistent winner is laughable. To blame just the offense (who by the way average 30 points a game) is lacking football IQ. As a fan, I will miss the old coach because he brought a toughness and a attention to detail to the school.

With all these said, next year when Hartley is winning all these games and lighting up the score board, I will be the first one on here to congratulate them and say I was wrong. In the end, I still root for the Hawks.

 

[The Insider]

Weber was better in the game because he got the blocks! Latham did not. As far as totality and individually Latham was better last season. Hartleys announcers were barely heard during the telecast due to technical difficulties!!

Yes Watterson will reap the benefits of a state championship season and kids will get offers as a result. I have Nothing to hate on Watterson about. Hell I coaches against most of their current kids when they were in grade school football and I root for them! In knowing the kids I know they are a little worried about what Hartley has coming.

I cant believe some of what Im reading. I hope you are either a parent or a new coach, at least that would give you an excuse for being ignorant.

Losing Burchfield and Sawyer was beyond the worst thing that could have happened. I was the most surprised when I heard they were leaving. I thought they would be there forever. I couldnt believe it. I even cornered Brad at the coaches clinic at Easton in the winter. I asked him why he left and all hed say was new challenge yadda yadda yadda. But the more and more people you talk to tell a different story. He wasnt happy with the school since the old principal left. I remember what Hartley was like in the 90s and 2000s What they did at Hartley was incredible.

No one is worried about the former defensive coordinator who couldnt stop a nose bleed now being the head coach at Hartley. Thats laughable.

 

[watty1991]

I cant believe some of what Im reading. I hope you are either a parent or a new coach, at least that would give you an excuse for being ignorant.

Losing Burchfield and Sawyer was beyond the worst thing that could have happened. I was the most surprised when I heard they were leaving. I thought they would be there forever. I couldnt believe it. I even cornered Brad at the coaches clinic at Easton in the winter. I asked him why he left and all hed say was new challenge yadda yadda yadda. But the more and more people you talk to tell a different story. He wasnt happy with the school since the old principal left. I remember what Hartley was like in the 90s and 2000s What they did at Hartley was incredible.

No one is worried about the former defensive coordinator who couldnt stop a nose bleed now being the head coach at Hartley. Thats laughable.

agree -- next year could get ugly quickly for Hartley. Suggest a running clock before 4th Q will occur vs Watterson., I will predict they beat St Charles handily though.

 

[BHHawks01]

This is correct. Talent trumps all. This guy clearly didn't like Burchfield and clearly hated a consistent winner. If this is the typical fan at Hartley (which it's not), no wonder the old coach left. Monday morning QB's who blame all the problems on bad o-line play and not passing enough. The teams he mentions were either a state champion or a final 4 team. Ironton (state champ), Watterson (state champ), Ursuline (final 4). Could it be that these teams where just better than all this DI talent Hartley had? Of course, but it's easier to blame coaching and the o-line. Again I ask, in these 15 years of running this terrible offense, how many state championships did they win? How many playoff games? How many league championships? I don't really know but I do know it was more than a couple. Hartley was a spread team before BB and now they will be a spread team again. I know it didn't work the first time but maybe this new coach will make it work this time, but to bash a consistent winner is laughable. To blame just the offense (who by the way average 30 points a game) is lacking football IQ. As a fan, I will miss the old coach because he brought a toughness and a attention to detail to the school.

With all these said, next year when Hartley is winning all these games and lighting up the score board, I will be the first one on here to congratulate them and say I was wrong. In the end, I still root for the

This is correct. Talent trumps all. This guy clearly didn't like Burchfield and clearly hated a consistent winner. If this is the typical fan at Hartley (which it's not), no wonder the old coach left. Monday morning QB's who blame all the problems on bad o-line play and not passing enough. The teams he mentions were either a state champion or a final 4 team. Ironton (state champ), Watterson (state champ), Ursuline (final 4). Could it be that these teams where just better than all this DI talent Hartley had? Of course, but it's easier to blame coaching and the o-line. Again I ask, in these 15 years of running this terrible offense, how many state championships did they win? How many playoff games? How many league championships? I don't really know but I do know it was more than a couple. Hartley was a spread team before BB and now they will be a spread team again. I know it didn't work the first time but maybe this new coach will make it work this time, but to bash a consistent winner is laughable. To blame just the offense (who by the way average 30 points a game) is lacking football IQ. As a fan, I will miss the old coach because he brought a toughness and a attention to detail to the school.

With all these said, next year when Hartley is winning all these games and lighting up the score board, I will be the first one on here to congratulate them and say I was wrong. In the end, I still root for the Hawks.

One thing I do not hate Brad. I know Brad personally and he’s a great guy, coach and father!! 3 Championships in 15 years is great. Every kid from current players to past love Burchfield as do I. As well I am closely connected with Hartley, in all aspects. I know the old and current football staffs as well as coach Geyer and his coaching staffs! Lastly I do know the kids who play and do know their thoughts and opinions. But I am also a realist and know what I know. Burchfield was unwilling to change his style of play. Every single program has changed during that 15 year time span. Watterson like I said has even changed!!! If you say they haven’t then your lying. Everyone watches the games but doesn’t know what’s going on in the building so I expect you guys to have these takes on what I say.

Coach Geyer made the spread change at the end of his reign and it took his teams from 4-6 yearly to 8-2 with regional playoff runs!!

The new coaching staff is full of college experienced coaches with great knowledge of the game. Having a top rated QB coach for the first time ever will help with the development of the passing game and QBs specifically. You can research the coach on your own time, I’m sure you’ll be impressed.

Brad needed a change of scenery and Hartley needed a fresh mind. It’s best for both in my eyes. Like I keep saying and if I’m wrong I will own it all but when all the talent is on the field at one time it will be special!! Speed, with catching ability. Bigger offensive line but more athleticism across the front. Could be a tough team to beat.

But hey I’m a Monday morning QB. Lmao.

 

[TMEW]

One thing I do not hate Brad. I know Brad personally and he’s a great guy, coach and father!! 3 Championships in 15 years is great. Every kid from current players to past love Burchfield as do I. As well I am closely connected with Hartley, in all aspects. I know the old and current football staffs as well as coach Geyer and his coaching staffs! Lastly I do know the kids who play and do know their thoughts and opinions. But I am also a realist and know what I know. Burchfield was unwilling to change his style of play. Every single program has changed during that 15 year time span. Watterson like I said has even changed!!! If you say they haven’t then your lying. Everyone watches the games but doesn’t know what’s going on in the building so I expect you guys to have these takes on what I say.

Coach Geyer made the spread change at the end of his reign and it took his teams from 4-6 yearly to 8-2 with regional playoff runs!!

The new coaching staff is full of college experienced coaches with great knowledge of the game. Having a top rated QB coach for the first time ever will help with the development of the passing game and QBs specifically. You can research the coach on your own time, I’m sure you’ll be impressed.

Brad needed a change of scenery and Hartley needed a fresh mind. It’s best for both in my eyes. Like I keep saying and if I’m wrong I will own it all but when all the talent is on the field at one time it will be special!! Speed, with catching ability. Bigger offensive line but more athleticism across the front. Could be a tough team to beat.

But hey I’m a Monday morning QB. Lmao.

I hate to do this to you but here is the last 8 years under Coach Geyer
00--6-4--No play-offs
01--5-5--No play-offs
02--3-7--No play-offs
03--5-5--No play-offs
04--9-3 (lost 2nd round) scored 40 points 5 times--remember we used to play club teams
05--8-2 (Lost 2nd round) scored 40 points 4 times
06--5-4--No play-offs
07--5-5--No play-offs

Is this the playoff run you speak of? Look at the schedule of these teams then compare them to the schedule Hartley now plays. Last year for example, we would agree was a disappointment, the Hawks were 6-5 and scored 40 points 6 times. Coach Geyer's best year they scored 40 points 5 times. Coach B established an offense that would allow the Hawks to be competitive at a state level every single year. Alter has done the exact same thing for many years (triple option--which is a run base offense Yes?) I guess we will have to agree to disagree as far as our definition of success goes.

You talk about talent on the field (which I 100 percent agree with), what talent wasn't on the field last year for the Hawks?

Here's my point. This is High school football not College or the NFL. There is no magic bullet offense and there are many ways to be successful. Yes even running the ball This senior class is very good. They should be very successful and I can 't wait to watch them. Go Hawks

One thing I do not hate Brad. I know Brad personally and he’s a great guy, coach and father!! 3 Championships in 15 years is great. Every kid from current players to past love Burchfield as do I. As well I am closely connected with Hartley, in all aspects. I know the old and current football staffs as well as coach Geyer and his coaching staffs! Lastly I do know the kids who play and do know their thoughts and opinions. But I am also a realist and know what I know. Burchfield was unwilling to change his style of play. Every single program has changed during that 15 year time span. Watterson like I said has even changed!!! If you say they haven’t then your lying. Everyone watches the games but doesn’t know what’s going on in the building so I expect you guys to have these takes on what I say.

Coach Geyer made the spread change at the end of his reign and it took his teams from 4-6 yearly to 8-2 with regional playoff runs!!

The new coaching staff is full of college experienced coaches with great knowledge of the game. Having a top rated QB coach for the first time ever will help with the development of the passing game and QBs specifically. You can research the coach on your own time, I’m sure you’ll be impressed.

Brad needed a change of scenery and Hartley needed a fresh mind. It’s best for both in my eyes. Like I keep saying and if I’m wrong I will own it all but when all the talent is on the field at one time it will be special!! Speed, with catching ability. Bigger offensive line but more athleticism across the front. Could be a tough team to beat.

But hey I’m a Monday morning QB. Lmao.

I hate to do this to you but here is the last 8 years under Coach Geyer
00--6-4--No play-offs
01--5-5--No play-offs
02--3-7--No play-offs
03--5-5--No play-offs
04--9-3 (lost 2nd round) scored 40 points 5 times--remember we used to play club teams
05--8-2 (Lost 2nd round) scored 40 points 4 times
06--5-4--No play-offs
07--5-5--No play-offs

Is this the playoff run you speak of? Look at the schedule of these teams then compare them to the schedule Hartley now plays. Last year for example, we would agree was a disappointment, the Hawks were 6-5 and scored 40 points 6 times. Coach Geyer's best year they scored 40 points 5 times. Coach B established an offense that would allow the Hawks to be competitive at a state level every single year. Alter has done the exact same thing for many years (triple option--which is a run base offense Yes?) I guess we will have to agree to disagree as far as our definition of success goes.

You talk about talent on the field (which I 100 percent agree with), what talent wasn't on the field last year for the Hawks?

Here's my point. This is High school football not College or the NFL. There is no magic bullet offense and there are many ways to be successful. Yes even running the ball This senior class is very good. They should be very successful and I can 't wait to watch them. Go Hawks

 

[BHHawks01]

I hate to do this to you but here is the last 8 years under Coach Geyer
00--6-4--No play-offs
01--5-5--No play-offs
02--3-7--No play-offs
03--5-5--No play-offs
04--9-3 (lost 2nd round) scored 40 points 5 times--remember we used to play club teams
05--8-2 (Lost 2nd round) scored 40 points 4 times
06--5-4--No play-offs
07--5-5--No play-offs

Is this the playoff run you speak of? Look at the schedule of these teams then compare them to the schedule Hartley now plays. Last year for example, we would agree was a disappointment, the Hawks were 6-5 and scored 40 points 6 times. Coach Geyer's best year they scored 40 points 5 times. Coach B established an offense that would allow the Hawks to be competitive at a state level every single year. Alter has done the exact same thing for many years (triple option--which is a run base offense Yes?) I guess we will have to agree to disagree as far as our definition of success goes.

You talk about talent on the field (which I 100 percent agree with), what talent wasn't on the field last year for the Hawks?

Here's my point. This is High school football not College or the NFL. There is no magic bullet offense and there are many ways to be successful. Yes even running the ball This senior class is very good. They should be very successful and I can 't wait to watch them. Go Hawks

I hate to do this to you but here is the last 8 years under Coach Geyer
00--6-4--No play-offs
01--5-5--No play-offs
02--3-7--No play-offs
03--5-5--No play-offs
04--9-3 (lost 2nd round) scored 40 points 5 times--remember we used to play club teams
05--8-2 (Lost 2nd round) scored 40 points 4 times
06--5-4--No play-offs
07--5-5--No play-offs

Is this the playoff run you speak of? Look at the schedule of these teams then compare them to the schedule Hartley now plays. Last year for example, we would agree was a disappointment, the Hawks were 6-5 and scored 40 points 6 times. Coach Geyer's best year they scored 40 points 5 times. Coach B established an offense that would allow the Hawks to be competitive at a state level every single year. Alter has done the exact same thing for many years (triple option--which is a run base offense Yes?) I guess we will have to agree to disagree as far as our definition of success goes.

You talk about talent on the field (which I 100 percent agree with), what talent wasn't on the field last year for the Hawks?

Here's my point. This is High school football not College or the NFL. There is no magic bullet offense and there are many ways to be successful. Yes even running the ball This senior class is very good. They should be very successful and I can 't wait to watch them. Go Hawks

The 05 and 06 seasons they went full pass spread. They had a nice QB in Marty that went on to play at Capital. Geyers last two seasons are why he chose to step down. I stand corrected on the playoff run. I’ll admit when I’m wrong lol.

As I’ve said I take nothing away from Burchfield. He was successful! In recent years the complaint is the offense!! It was time for a change or alteration which never came. But I also understand when you don’t feel you have a QB you can trust to fling it around lol. But Galich can sling it so there should’ve been more passing incorporated in the offense. Now He’s taking that offense to Darby so we will see how it translates there, and I hope successfully I may add. And yes a run base offense that doesn’t utilize their athletes total abilities. Latham is a talented pass catcher, he was never utilized in the screen or passing game. They have a lot of athletes who can catch exceptionally well and when they get in space watch out because they have speed.

I have seen the new offense and who’s playing what positions. Having 4/5 talented kids out wide could be a beautiful thing is all I’m saying. Little note all those guys are over 6 Feet tall . It will be an exciting time for the Hawks but will come with some growing pains. This maybe their most talented team in the past couple of years. We shall see if they can get it together!

 

[watty1991]

The 05 and 06 seasons they went full pass spread. They had a nice QB in Marty that went on to play at Capital. Geyers last two seasons are why he chose to step down. I stand corrected on the playoff run. I’ll admit when I’m wrong lol.

As I’ve said I take nothing away from Burchfield. He was successful! In recent years the complaint is the offense!! It was time for a change or alteration which never came. But I also understand when you don’t feel you have a QB you can trust to fling it around lol. But Galich can sling it so there should’ve been more passing incorporated in the offense. Now He’s taking that offense to Darby so we will see how it translates there, and I hope successfully I may add. And yes a run base offense that doesn’t utilize their athletes total abilities. Latham is a talented pass catcher, he was never utilized in the screen or passing game. They have a lot of athletes who can catch exceptionally well and when they get in space watch out because they have speed.

I have seen the new offense and who’s playing what positions. Having 4/5 talented kids out wide could be a beautiful thing is all I’m saying. Little note all those guys are over 6 Feet tall . It will be an exciting time for the Hawks but will come with some growing pains. This maybe their most talented team in the past couple of years. We shall see if they can get it together!

They better be closer to 6'5 if they want an advantage over Watty! ha. I am rooting for Hartley to get back to a TOP END D3 team. It makes CCL better and more fun. Before 3 years ago, it felt like Watterson would never beat Hartley again. I think it was 11 straight losses?

Its going to be tough to score on Watterson next year. Only lost 4 starters on a defense which had 6 Sophs starting on it.. Possible Watterson offense is a tick worse losing the 6 kids who are all moving on to play college - 4 leading receivers (Theado playing college BBall) and Weber and Center Vance Graney.

 

[Eagle_Panther]

The 05 and 06 seasons they went full pass spread. They had a nice QB in Marty that went on to play at Capital. Geyers last two seasons are why he chose to step down. I stand corrected on the playoff run. I’ll admit when I’m wrong lol.

As I’ve said I take nothing away from Burchfield. He was successful! In recent years the complaint is the offense!! It was time for a change or alteration which never came. But I also understand when you don’t feel you have a QB you can trust to fling it around lol. But Galich can sling it so there should’ve been more passing incorporated in the offense. Now He’s taking that offense to Darby so we will see how it translates there, and I hope successfully I may add. And yes a run base offense that doesn’t utilize their athletes total abilities. Latham is a talented pass catcher, he was never utilized in the screen or passing game. They have a lot of athletes who can catch exceptionally well and when they get in space watch out because they have speed.

I have seen the new offense and who’s playing what positions. Having 4/5 talented kids out wide could be a beautiful thing is all I’m saying. Little note all those guys are over 6 Feet tall . It will be an exciting time for the Hawks but will come with some growing pains. This maybe their most talented team in the past couple of years. We shall see if they can get it together!

I think when this conversation started the point some were trying to make is that if you're one of these teams who aspire to compete for a state title, (Hartley, London, Jackson...) it's awfully tough to get there if you have a one dimensional offense. You can win 2 maybe 3 playoff games but you're eventually going to run into a team like Watterson, TCC or Ursuline who are going to take away what you do. You can't rely on only the run or only the pass if you want to win state. Maybe if you've got 5 +250lbers across the OL and a D1 back and play excellent defense you can do it but how often do all 3 of those things come together?

I have a lot of respect for Burchfield but I do think Hartley is going to benefit from throwing the ball a little more. I wouldn't go full spread if I were them but being able to throw effectively 12-15 times a game would be beneficial. I would imagine a good portion of the upcoming senior class played JV in 2023 when they were sophomores. That JV team lost to Watterson's freshman team 14-0. No doubt Watterson will approach the Hartley game this year with a lot of respect for them but I bet that there is very little worry about what the ultimate outcome of that game is going to be.

 

[The Insider]

I think when this conversation started the point some were trying to make is that if you're one of these teams who aspire to compete for a state title, (Hartley, London, Jackson...) it's awfully tough to get there if you have a one dimensional offense. You can win 2 maybe 3 playoff games but you're eventually going to run into a team like Watterson, TCC or Ursuline who are going to take away what you do. You can't rely on only the run or only the pass if you want to win state. Maybe if you've got 5 +250lbers across the OL and a D1 back and play excellent defense you can do it but how often do all 3 of those things come together?

I have a lot of respect for Burchfield but I do think Hartley is going to benefit from throwing the ball a little more. I wouldn't go full spread if I were them but being able to throw effectively 12-15 times a game would be beneficial. I would imagine a good portion of the upcoming senior class played JV in 2023 when they were sophomores. That JV team lost to Watterson's freshman team 14-0. No doubt Watterson will approach the Hartley game this year with a lot of respect for them but I bet that there is very little worry about what the ultimate outcome of that game is going to be.

This whole thread is still silly. Didn't Hartley win state titles? Multiple?

Losing Burchfield and Sawyer is the worst thing to happen not only to the football program but to the school. Burch did a ton for that school off the field and their run on the field has been unprecedented.

The ignorance of this new Hartley generation is something to behold. Lets hope for BHHawks1's sake his son gets to to see the benefit of this new offense at Hartley.

 

[BHHawks01]

This whole thread is still silly. Didn't Hartley win state titles? Multiple?

Losing Burchfield and Sawyer is the worst thing to happen not only to the football program but to the school. Burch did a ton for that school off the field and their run on the field has been unprecedented.

The ignorance of this new Hartley generation is something to behold. Lets hope for BHHawks1's sake his son gets to to see the benefit of this new offense at Hartley.

Stuck in the past I see. “New Hartley Generation”. You sound emotional like you have direct ties to the school and program!

Hartley as a school will be fine sir. The football program will be fine as well! They’ve had 4 football coaches in the history of the program so to think this coach won’t succeed and have a long tenure would be wild. Melle will do just fine taking over the program.

Lastly if my nephew, son or daughter were to play for Hartley I’m sure they’d benefit in the new offense. So let’s keep your energy directed at me. Mentioning kids is cowardly.

 

[Throwaway5678]

Stuck in the past I see. “New Hartley Generation”. You sound emotional like you have direct ties to the school and program!

Hartley as a school will be fine sir. The football program will be fine as well! They’ve had 4 football coaches in the history of the program so to think this coach won’t succeed and have a long tenure would be wild. Melle will do just fine taking over the program.

Lastly if my nephew, son or daughter were to play for Hartley I’m sure they’d benefit in the new offense. So let’s keep your energy directed at me. Mentioning kids is cowardly.

Good response. The school and the program will be fine. Don’t get mad at fans for being optimistic about their future. Burchfield was a great coach but it was clear he wasn’t as invested in the program the last few years for whatever reason.

 

[The Insider]

Stuck in the past I see. “New Hartley Generation”. You sound emotional like you have direct ties to the school and program!

Hartley as a school will be fine sir. The football program will be fine as well! They’ve had 4 football coaches in the history of the program so to think this coach won’t succeed and have a long tenure would be wild. Melle will do just fine taking over the program.

Lastly if my nephew, son or daughter were to play for Hartley I’m sure they’d benefit in the new offense. So let’s keep your energy directed at me. Mentioning kids is cowardly.

We sent our kids and our money to Hartley so I feel a direct tie. Good luck to everyone. Ive hijacked this thread enough.

 

[sapientia et veritas]

Geyers last two seasons are why he chose to step down.

Dick Geyer was Bishop Hartley thru and thru. He would still be head coach there if he chose. He didn't. He was nudged gently aside as nicely as possible. Burchfield was selected as the new coach before Dick was told that school leaders were scouting prospects. There was an objective judgment at the top of the administration that the talent on the field should have advanced further in the playoffs. I don't have any inside scoop on this recent change, but I suspect it's the consequence of the same kind of objective assessment. Sometimes it's best for all concerned to move on. I've known the current principal for years. He's a smart and effective leader. I'm guessing he asked for mentoring from his predecessor regarding the same kind of decision made 18 years ago. As for myself, I don't think the two situations are comparable. If my advice were solicited, I would have advised leadership to stay in their lane and let Brad be Brad and let him run the program as he thought best. Coach the principal to stand down by the opposite goal line and tune out the short term 1djet parents yelling throw the ball as if they represent the community. And maybe bought Sawyer a really loud ticking clock, ha ha.