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Hermantown’s unbeaten start has been powered by explosive plays, increasingly physical defense and the return of an experienced quarterback. Yet coach Mike Zagelmeyer understands that a 3-0 record guarantees his Hawks nothing when Northeast Red rival Cloquet arrives for Friday night’s homecoming game.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Centricity Stadium, where Hermantown will attempt to build on a 48-27 victory over Duluth East and continue a start that has established the Hawks as one of northeastern Minnesota’s most dangerous teams. Cloquet represents another important conference test, however, and Zagelmeyer is pleased with his team without pretending it has approached its ceiling.
“Very happy with the way we have started, the players have responded very well to everything we have asked of them. I like our physicality and especially the way our defensive line has progressed,” he said on Monday morning. “We were very effective in limiting Duluth East's run game. As a result, our D line probably forced Duluth East to throw the ball more than they wanted to and we came up with a couple big interceptions on the back end by Ethan McCubbin and Blake Amundson.”
Hermantown controlled the East game with its running attack, finishing with 309 yards on only 29 carries — an average of 10.7 yards per attempt. The Hawks did not need sustained, methodical drives because they repeatedly created game-changing plays in the open field.
No player influenced the outcome more dramatically than Martin Sleen, who scored six touchdowns in a spectacular all-around performance. Sleen produced touchdowns as a runner and receiver and added a kickoff return for a score, displaying the speed, balance, strength and vision that make him dangerous from virtually anywhere on the field.
“Obviously, our offense has thrived off of Martin's big play abilities and he was at his best on Friday night against Duluth East,” said Zagelmeyer. “Six touchdowns in the way that he did it Friday night is pretty amazing... special teams, being elusive, being physical, he is just a next level type back.”
Sleen’s brilliance gave Hermantown its offensive headlines, but the return of quarterback Sawyer Senst could prove just as important over the remainder of the season. He returned from a serious injury to direct the offense against East, restoring experience and another dimension to a unit that already has demonstrated its ability to overwhelm opponents on the ground.
His return also allows Hermantown to become more balanced. Opponents determined to crowd the line of scrimmage and contain Sleen must now account for a quarterback capable of reading coverages, organizing the offense and attacking through the air.
“It was tremendous to see Sawyer back out there leading the offense on Friday," said Zagelmeyer. "Coming back the way he has from a pretty serious injury just goes to show how much football means to him and the desire he has to be out there with his teammates. Take nothing away from Brock Hoglund and what he did for us in a tough situation, he did everything we asked of him, but to have Sawyer's experience, ability to lead, and his ability to read the defense and execute our passing game is something we think will help balance our offense out going forward. Especially this week against Cloquet and down the road also.”
Hoglund’s work during Senst's absence should not be overlooked. He helped Hermantown navigate an early-season situation that could have disrupted a less prepared team. Instead, the Hawks continued winning, and Senst's return now gives Zagelmeyer greater experience and depth at the game’s most important position.
The defense, meanwhile, continues developing around a front that has become more physical and disruptive. Hermantown limited East’s rushing attack to 115 yards on 28 attempts, forcing the Greyhounds to lean more heavily on their passing game.
That same formula will be critical against Cloquet. The Lumberjacks endured a difficult opening week but have since found their footing, particularly with a running game capable of controlling possession and keeping Hermantown’s explosive offense on the sideline.
“This week our focus is completely on Cloquet," Zagelmeyer said. "They have been playing extremely well after a tough week 1. Again, we will have to stop their run game first and foremost. They have run the ball very effectively as of late. We need to have a great week of practice and keep working on the things that we can control. There is lots of room for improvement and that will be our focus.”
That final point may be the most encouraging part of Hermantown’s start. The Hawks are 3-0, their defensive front is progressing, their quarterback has returned and their premier playmaker is coming off a six-touchdown performance. Yet Zagelmeyer’s attention has already shifted from what his team accomplished against East to what it must correct before Cloquet arrives.
Homecoming games carry additional energy, emotion and distraction. Rivalry games frequently bring something more. Hermantown has enough talent to turn Friday night into another showcase, but Cloquet’s running game should require the Hawks to earn control at the line of scrimmage before the celebration can begin.
The Hawks have been impressive through three games. Friday night will tell us more about how prepared they are to become something greater.
