By Zack Steele
For The Tribune
TRUSSVILLE — Playoff season has arrived, and Hewitt Trussville has many reasons for optimism as Hewitt travels to take on Florence High School on Friday night, marking Hewitt Trussville’s first trip to Florence, and their 9th trip to the playoffs in the last 10 years.
The Hewitt Huskies travel to Florence for the first round of the 2022 high school football playoffs. (Photo By Ron Burkett)_
Hewitt-Trussville, the 3rd seed from the always tough 7A Region 3, comes into the playoffs with a personality that’s different from some of the previous high-flying Hewitt Teams under Head Coach Josh Floyd.
The 2022 Hewitt Huskies tout a very solid defense, anchored by seniors Hunter Osborne and Conner Night. Floyd points to consistency and senior leadership.
“We’ve had some good senior leadership and other guys have stepped up and made plays,” said Floyd. “This is definitely one of the best defensive units we’ve had here. I think the biggest thing has been our consistency throughout.”
The offense was a huge question for the Huskies when the season began. Turnovers and penalties plagued the offense in Hewitt’s three losses, all to teams ranked #1 in 7A at some point in the season. Floyd, however, says he has seen marked improvement over the course of the season.
“I’ve been real pleased with how the offense has grown,” he said. “We knew going in we were pretty young on that side of the ball, but I think we have come a long way, especially in the offensive line.”
Hewitt’s opponent Friday night is a formidable one. Florence began the season 1-2, but rolled off six straight wins on their way to a number 2 seed.
“Florence is playing really well right now,” said Floyd. “They’ve won six in a row and are playing really well on defense. They have the (Jahlil) Hurley kid that committed to Alabama so he’s obviously a really good player.”
Hurley, a 5-star cornerback, is ranked the 24th-best overall player in the nation. Aside from Hurley, Coach Floyd was impressed by the Florence defensive line.
Florence’s offense features a mobile quarterback, which could cause the Huskies some problems.
“He’s mobile, and a threat to make plays,” said Floyd.
The winner of this game will move on to face the winner of Hoover vs Bob Jones on November 11.
