Experience may be the best teacher

If an athletic field is an extension of the classroom, then the opening game of the 2023 football season could be a valuable learning experience for Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn.

H-M-S came out on the short end of a 51-7 score at West Sioux on Aug. 25. However, Hawk coach Jay Eilers said what was learned could be a building block for the season.

"I think it starts with confidence, and I think that confidence comes from experience," he said. "We had quite a few young men raise their hand, 'Hey, this is the first varsity game I've played in my career,' so I think that confidence has to come from their...