The Hockinson Hawks dare to be different.

The air-raid spread offense that dominated the program for the past decade — which included back-to-back state championships and eight straight league titles — is now in the past.

And while first-year coach Ben Nelson wants to honor the Hawks of yesteryears, the 2025 version will look different.

How different?

“We’re going to run the ball,” Nelson said, “the majority of the time.”

Enter the slot-T offense under the 30-year-old Nelson, the region’s youngest head coach. Hired in February, he’s assisted at other area schools, including a stint as Battle Ground’s offensive coordinator.

With a background in spread offenses, he’s tailored the Hawks to a style that fits their personnel for the present and future years.

It starts with one of the lea

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