Hill makes the most out of his opportunity

Published 9:17 pm Thursday, August 27, 2015

The talk around the Dalton High School football team leading up to the season was the talent and depth at the skill positions.

Those spots featured several former All-Area selections such as wide receiver Zek Cobb, running back Drake McCowan and cornerback/wide receiver Jordon McKinney, as well as some other highly productive players in wide receiver Kyric McGowan and running back/returner Tyler Noland.

Those players were counted on take pressure off an inexperienced quarterback and a very green offensive line so that the Catamounts could ease into the season. While that was certainly the case in the 35-21 win last Friday against Scottsboro in the opener, it was a player new to the Harmon Field spotlight that shined the brightest.

Senior running back Darien Hill carried the ball 22 times for 160 yards and three touchdowns. Hill has been with the program for nearly two years, but has spent most of that time toiling on the scout team.

Until now.

“He came up through the Dalton system but decided in ninth grade he wanted to go to another county school,” Dalton coach Matt Land said. “Then part of the way through his sophomore year he transferred back about mid-year and because of that he had to sit out his junior year. So he’s been on the scout team for most of the last two seasons.”

That experience going up against the Catamounts’ first string defense in practice every day served Hill well. That defense featured a former All-Area player of the year in Eder Mora and linebacker Nate Mays, who signed with Wake Forest.

“He’s waited and paid his dues the last two years. Going up against those guys and (linebacker) Jase Chastain every week wasn’t easy,” Land said. “That experience definitely made him a better player and allowed him to work on his craft. We knew going into this season that he would have an impact and he’s turned himself into a very good running back.”

The faces on the other side of the line of scrimmage in practice wasn’t the tough part for Hill, however. The sting of not getting to play on Friday nights was the most challenging part.

“Not getting to be out there on Friday nights, that was tough,” Hill said. “All the hard work you put in and then you can’t be out there. But it made me stronger.”

Hill’s introduction to Friday nights at Harmon Field came when it was sorely needed for the Cats. McCowan is limited by several nagging injuries and didn’t play against Scottsboro. Cobb left the game after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in the first series. To be able to have a game like he did when his team needed it most was exactly what Hill needed.

“It was (redeeming) for me,” Hill said. “I didn’t feel any pressure to do more because those guys were out. I was just ready to play.”

The Catamounts likely will need another big performance from Hill to end a six-game losing streak to Calhoun tonight. The Yellow Jackets are the defending Class 3A state champions, ranked first in Class 3A and have four preseason all-state selections.

Despite what could be a daunting challenge, Hill said he is ready to lead the team to a win if that’s what is needed.

“There’s going to be a lot of people there because this is a old rivalry so that means there will be more pressure,” Hill said. “But I think we are ready. I can be that guy to carry the load if I need to.”

Land doesn’t doubt Hill will answer the bell if called upon again.

“He’s a guy that we talk about all the time that has the skill set to be very versatile for us,” Land said. “He could play a number of different positions for us, but the good thing about him is he’s selfless. He just wants to contribute and wants to be depended on.”