As the anticipation for the 2025 football season builds, all eyes in the regional circuit and among college football scouts are turning toward the Hamm High Chargers. After a strong rebuilding phase in 2024, Hamm Football looks poised to return to prominence thanks to an increasingly robust talent pipeline and a revised coaching strategy. With fresh faces taking leadership roles and returning veterans looking to solidify their legacies, the 2025 season offers both promise and pressure.
Team Overview and Leadership Approach
Under the stewardship of Head Coach Darnell Atkinson, now entering his fourth season with the Chargers, Hamm has slowly transitioned from a reactionary team to one that dictates the pace and tone of the game. Coach Atkinson’s evolving strategic focus on both athleticism and football IQ has made this team more dynamic than in previous years.
The 2025 squad will be built around a hybrid offensive scheme—a mix of West Coast passing principles and zone-read concepts—while the defense will continue to refine their 4-2-5 look, designed to counteract the increasingly pass-heavy offenses in the region.
Key Players to Watch
Several standout players are set to make a major impact this season. These athletes not only bring exceptional talent but also a wealth of leadership experience and game maturity.
1. Malik “Rocket” Thompson – Quarterback (Senior)
The heart and soul of the offense, Malik Thompson enters his senior season with lofty expectations. Thompson threw for 2,800 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2024 and added 600 yards on the ground. Known for his rocket arm and uncanny poise under pressure, Malik has attracted attention from Division I scouts and is poised for a breakout year that could define his future.
Stat to Watch: Thompson’s turnover ratio dramatically narrowed in the second half of last season. If he maintains that improved decision-making, Hamm could be nearly unstoppable on the offensive end.
2. Jermaine Lawson – Outside Linebacker (Junior)
Lawson leads the defense heading into the new season. An instinctive tackler with sideline-to-sideline speed, Jermaine registered a team-high 89 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, and 6 sacks in 2024. His ability to disrupt plays in both the run and pass game makes him invaluable in Hamm’s aggressive 4-2-5 scheme.
Impact Factor: Lawson’s biggest asset is versatility. Positioned as a hybrid linebacker/edge rusher, he exploits offensive line weaknesses with tenacity.
3. Christine Vega – Kicker/Punter (Senior)
Special teams often decide close games, and Christine Vega is Hamm’s secret weapon. One of the few female kickers in her class with a consistent range of over 45 yards, Vega has turned heads with her clutch performances. Her role will be vital in close-fought matchups as Hamm navigates a competitive schedule.
4. Ryan Price – Offensive Line (Junior)
An anchor on the offensive line, Ryan provides both protection for Thompson and vital leadership in the locker room. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 295 pounds, Price combines brute strength with technique—rare qualities at the high school level. Offensive line coach Mike Halverson calls him “the brains and the brawn of our trenches.”
New Faces to Look For
While seasoned players establish the team’s identity, fresh talent is gearing up to contribute:
- Julian Marks – Wide Receiver (Sophomore): Blazing speed and superb route-running make this underclassman a likely breakout candidate.
- Levi Rodgers – Freshman Linebacker: Recently promoted from the JV squad, Rodgers has impressed with physicality and intelligence in spring camps.
- Evan Cho – Cornerback (Junior Transfer): Transferring from Glenwood High, Cho brings speed and experience to a secondary that struggled at times last season.
What’s New in 2025?
Several developments from the offseason could dramatically influence Hamm’s trajectory:
1. Upgraded Facilities
After years of advocacy and community funding, Hamm High completed renovations on their athletic complex. The upgraded training facility includes a new weight room, state-of-the-art film room, and expanded turf field, giving players improved resources to hone their craft.
2. Expanded Coaching Staff
New additions to the coaching team include Defensive Analyst Marcus Brooks, formerly of Randall Prep, and Strength Coach Tasha McKenzie, known for her revolutionary recovery protocols. These hires reflect the program’s commitment to blending performance science with traditional football acumen.
Season Schedule and Critical Matchups
Hamm faces a balanced but challenging schedule in 2025, including both regional rivals and an out-of-state showcase game. Here are three games that could shape the season:
- vs. Eastbridge Titans (Week 3): A rematch of last year’s nail-biter, which Hamm lost 24-21. This early-season clash will test their offseason improvements.
- @ Riverside Prep (Week 6): Always a tough road environment, Riverside boasts one of the best defensive lines in the state. Hamm’s O-line will be under the spotlight.
- vs. Westgrove Panthers (Week 9): The final regular season game and likely a battle for playoff seeding. Westgrove and Hamm often produce some of the most thrilling matchups in the region.
Expectations across the coaching staff are clear—win the key matchups, and the playoff berth is all but guaranteed.
Team Outlook
Hamm enters the season ranked fifth in the regional preseason polls, and with that comes a moderate level of external pressure. However, internally the goal is nothing short of a championship appearance. Coach Atkinson has emphasized discipline and leadership as core tenets this year. Alongside talent development, these pillars will be critical if Hamm hopes to mount a deep playoff run.
Strengths:
- Veteran QB: Having a senior quarterback with both mobility and arm talent gives the Chargers an edge in close games.
- Defensive Depth: Strong front seven led by Lawson and rising stars in the backfield promise a more reliable defense.
- Special Teams Excellence: Few high school teams can rely on special teams the way Hamm can with Vega anchoring long-range kicks and field position.
Concerns:
- Red Zone Execution: Hamm struggled with efficiency inside the 20-yard line in 2024. Improved situational play-calling will be essential.
- Secondary Experience: With the departure of senior starter Davis Hill, the secondary may need time to jell.
Final Thoughts
In a season filled with both opportunity and challenge, the Hamm Chargers find themselves in a strong position to make a serious run in 2025. With returning stars like Malik Thompson and Jermaine Lawson leading the charge, and an influx of young talent ready to make waves, the Chargers are not just contending—they’re aiming to dominate.
If the coaching staff can address red-zone scoring efficiency and bring the secondary up to speed, expect this team to be playing well into November. Whether or not the Hamm Chargers can bring home a championship may depend on chemistry as much as talent. But by every serious account, 2025 could be Hamm’s year to shine.