East Hardy Football
2022 Recap
The East Hardy Cougars football team, led by Coach Devon Orndorff, displayed their resilience and determination throughout the 2022 season. Despite facing a few challenging moments, the team managed to achieve an impressive 9-3 record, earning them a spot in the playoffs. Though their journey ended in the second round.
While the Cougars celebrated several memorable wins, they also endured two tough losses during the regular season. Both defeats, against St. Marys and Tucker County, were by a narrow one-score margin. These were tough, but the Cougars dominated in fashion throughout most of the season.
The team was solid on both sides of the ball. A top 10 offense in all classifications led the Cougars, scoring 42 points per game. The defense matched that production as well, only giving up 13 points per game. Landing them in the top 10 in all classifications once again.
As the playoffs arrived, the East Hardy Cougars faced their toughest test yet against Williamstown in the second. The team fought valiantly but fell short in a closely contested match. The did avenge one of their regular season losses in the first round, defeating Tucker County 34-6.
The Cougars graduated a large senior class, one that accomplished many great things over the years. They finished with 4 straight playoff appearances, and was constantly in the talk for one of the beset teams in the state.
2023 Outlook
As the 2023 high school football season approaches, all eyes are on the East Hardy Cougars, led by their esteemed head coach, Devon Orndorff. With a notable offseason event and a talented group of leaders, the team is gearing up for a challenging schedule ahead.
The East Hardy Cougars made headlines during the offseason with the addition of Brett Tharp, a decorated football player in his time. Tharp’s experience and expertise are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team, boosting their performance on the field and providing valuable mentorship to the younger players. Being an All-American himself, bringing that experience to the young Cougar team will be invaluable.
Heading into the new season, the Cougars will heavily rely on the leadership of Damien Dellinger, Justin Parker, Eli Mathias, and Levi Price. These four players have not only demonstrated exceptional skills on the field but also possess the charisma and determination to guide their teammates towards success. Their leadership will be crucial in maintaining team cohesion and inspiring the newer members. With the loss of many starters, their leadership will be relied on this fall.
While the Cougars did experience significant departures, with only five starters returning from last year’s squad, their mindset remains focused on reloading rather than rebuilding. Despite the changes, several players who are returning have already gained substantial playing time, which will undoubtedly contribute to their overall performance.
East Hardy boasts a talented roster with a few standout individuals to watch out for. Wide receiver Brandon Jones, running back Tyler Tarallo, wide receiver Brayden Gregory, running back Price Strawderman, and linebacker Shawn Bodkin have showcased immense potential and will likely play pivotal roles on both sides of the ball.
However, the Cougars face a tough schedule this fall, pitting them against formidable opponents. This demanding lineup will put their skills and resilience to the test. Coach Orndorff and his staff have been diligently preparing the team, focusing on strategies to counter their opponents’ strengths and exploit their weaknesses. Key matchups against Wahama, Hampshire, and Doddridge County.
The East Hardy Cougars enter the 2023 season with a blend of experience, talent, and determination. Coach Orndorff’s ability to mold his players into a cohesive unit and extract the best from their abilities will be vital to the team’s success. The addition of Brett Tharp, along with the core of leaders and promising athletes, creates an atmosphere of high expectations and excitement.
As the new season kicks off, East Hardy fans eagerly await the Cougars’ display of skill, grit, and passion on the football field. With a mindset of reloading rather than rebuilding, this team is poised to tackle the challenges that lie ahead and leave a lasting mark on the 2023 high school football season.
Visiting East Hardy
The Lost River Grill
Steve’s Broken Spoke
Lost River General Store & Cafe
The Homeplace
Lost River State Park