George Washington’s Hunter Giacomo (1) tries to break free from the grasp of St. Albans’ Ashton Hamilton (left) during a high school football game Friday, Oct. 13, 2023.
George Washington’s Hunter Giacomo (1) tries to break free from the grasp of St. Albans’ Ashton Hamilton (left) during a high school football game Friday, Oct. 13, 2023.
Michael Switzer | For the Gazette-Mail
George Washington’s Guner Flores (left) strip-sacks South ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä’s Jacob Wilson (9) during a high school football game Friday, Sept. 22, 2023.
Only once in 11 years has George Washington started its football season 4-0.
This season, the Patriots have beaten St. Albans, John Marshall, Cabell Midland and South ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä to do that for the first time since 2013.
“The kids are very cooperative,†GW coach Steve Edwards Jr. said. “They’re doing a good job and playing hard. They’re executing very well right now. You’re dealing with young kids. You never know when it’s going to stop, but we’re enjoying it right now.â€
The Patriots lost heavy production from last year when Abe Fenwick, Anthony Valentine and Aiden Ellis graduated.
And Keegan Sack, one of GW’s top backs, transferred to Huntington High School.
Edwards likes the group GW has, but it’s taken some time for the Patriots to believe in themselves.
“The thing was getting them to believe they’re pretty good and in the right spots,†Edwards said. “It’s not an exact science. We’re still fiddling around with some of that right now. When the kids come in and cooperate, they got a good attitude, and that makes a big difference. Hopefully we can make it last as long as we can.â€
Edwards knows how to rally a team after a slow start.
Six times since 2000, GW has started 1-2. All six of those teams reached the playoffs, including two making the state quarterfinals.
The veteran coach doesn’t believe there’s a secret to it. It’s simply the athletes buying in.
“I don’t know whether there’s any magic formula or anything because, if there was, I’m certainly not going to tell you,†Edwards said. “I’m going to write a book on it, and I’m going to make a lot of money.
“I think staying consistent is what we preach and try to practice what we preach, not just make it lip service. You get a little luck, and some good things start happening and rolling. That’s basically a formula for it. Now, how you get that to happen? A lot of it’s chance. If [your players] play and work hard, good things will happen.â€
Edwards believes the hot start the Patriots are on can propel them the remainder of the season, which continues Friday at Spring Valley.
George Washington has outscored its first four opponents 128-19. The latest such conquest was a 54-0 win at South ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä on Sept. 20.
The Patriots still have contests against Parkersburg, Hurricane and Woodrow Wilson remaining.
“I want to see us get a little bit better,†Edwards said. “We got to get better. I want to continue to grow offensively, defensively and maturity. [I want to] find some guys that are right on the cusp of giving us more depth. We were a lot better [the week of Cabell Midland] than we were when we were at John Marshall and even going back to St. Albans.
“If we continue to improve, that gives ourselves a better chance to have some successful evenings.â€
As a senior, Fenwick threw for more than 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Hayden Hinkle and Cy Persinger have both taken snaps as the signal-caller for the Patriots this season.
Neither quarterback has yet to amass 200 yards passing this season.
The veteran coach has seen growth from both players.
“Hayden has showed good confidence,†Edwards said. “He progressed a little bit faster. The reason that Cy was able to perform that way he performed when he came in is he handled the situation very mature. He didn’t pout or whine. He was a good teammate. They’ve both handled this situation very maturely. They’re giving each other high-fives, and they just want to win.â€
One of GW’s top performers this season has been senior Hunter Giacomo. The senior has posted 28 carries for 283 yards and four touchdowns.
Giacomo has also been effective defensively, recording 39 total tackles, five quarterback hurries, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
“There’s a kid that has stuck with it,†Edwards said. “His two brothers played here. I’ve known him for a long time. I’m very appreciative of that relationship and the way he works. You talk about a kid with work ethic, there’s nobody that has worked harder than Hunter Giacomo. The kid has devoted his youth to getting better and being the best football player he can be.
“He’s handled a lot of ups and downs. He’s an example of a guy that works really, really hard, and good things finally happened.â€
