Hermantown football coach Mike Zagelmeyer felt his team played pretty well at Proctor in the 2023 season opener last Friday at Egerdahl Field.
"We had a couple of irritating formation and offsides mistakes, but that can be expected in game one of the year," the veteran Hawks coach said.
Junior quarterback Alex Schott threw for three touchdowns, converting 14-of-22 passes for 294 yards, and Bulldogs recruit Peyton Menzel scored three touchdowns.
"I definitely would like to see us become more physical as we enter week 2, and I think that will come as the players develop more confidence in their game," said Zagelmeyer. "I'm also not a fan of turnovers, especially when they happen deep in opponents territory, and we had two. So there are things to improve on for sure."
Zagelemeyer highlighted the play of Schott, a second year starter.
"I thought Alex played really well as he broke the school record for passing yards in a game with 294," said Zagelmeyer. "Peyton also broke the school record for receiving yards in a game with 202."
The Hawks' ultra-physical and swarming defense was also a major bright spot.
"I thought our defense limited any big play opportunities (against Proctor)," said Zagelmeyer. "We just didn't allow Proctor much room to make plays in the open field. We got to the ball, so that was good to see."
Hermantown (1-0) will face Cloquet (0-1) at 7 p.m. Friday at Egerdahl Field. The Lumberjacks lost at Two Harbors 40-8 in their opener Friday night.
"Cloquet didn't play up to their capabilities in week 1 so I expect them to have a little bit of a chip on their shoulder Friday," Zagelmeyer said. "Cloquet-Hermantown is always a great game and I expect this year to be no different."