ELDORA — The season begins for the South Hamilton football team here Friday night at South Hardin.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

The Hawks are coming off back-to-back 8-2 campaigns in which they advanced to the postseason. Head coach Paul Skartvedt has a solid nucleus returning led by standout rusher Nick Severseike.

Severseike, a senior, racked up 1,137 yards and 20 touchdowns last year, averaging 11 yards per carry. He is flanked by the likes of Kolby Hodnefield, Ashton Williams, Braden Young and Jose Babcock to form one of the top rushing attacks in Class 1A.

Hodnefield, Severseike, Williams, Brock Zorn and Landon Sogard are returning starters from a defense that pitched two shutouts last fall and forced 17 turnovers.

The Hawks posted a 20-14 victory over the Tigers in Jewell on their way to a 7-1 regular season.

South Hardin went 4-5 a year ago following two consecutive 3-6 marks. They earned a spot in the playoffs, falling to Sumner-Fredericksburg in the first round, 31-26.

Quarterback Peyton Welch and running back Jaxson Drury return from that team. Welch threw for 1,293 yards and 14 TDs while Drury rushed for 1,130 and scored 10 times.

Leading receiver Ethan Klendworth has graduated with Sam Benson expected to take his role.