The school opened in 1998, but no one expected results like this:

State Champions: 2003, 2004

State Runner-up: 2001, 2005

Fiesta Region Champions: 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

The architect, Coach John Wrenn, had drawn national attention to the program, and it paid off handsomely with an invitation to participate in the 2006 Kirk Herbstreit Challenge on Sept 16. The contest, against prep football icon Massillon Tigers at their stadium, will be televised live on ESPN.

The Huskies came within 40 seconds of securing a historic Arizona 5A three-peat at Arizona State University stadium last December. Shortly thereafter, Coach Wrenn accepted a position on the ASU football staff, and Steve Belles was hired to lead the team in the upcoming season. Young, yes, but this is no interim coach. Belles' collegiate career as a QB culminated in a National Championship with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 1988. Returning to his alma mater as an assistant coach, St. Mary's High won State Titles in '91 and '95. Coach Belles arrived at Hamilton from Mountain Ridge High School in Glendale, AZ, where he was the head coach for the past five years. His record at Mountain Ridge was 47-12, including one trip to the 5A State Finals in 2004 (opponent: Hamilton).

Joe Jackson, a promising junior, was paralyzed from the waist down during practice for last year's semi-final playoff game. Listed on the roster, Joe was spotted on the sideline during a recent scrimmage. Actually, he's impossible to miss, since his smile could light up a city block. He offered, "I'll be at every game, and I can't wait to go to Massillon with my family." That would probably include his 35 senior buddies, although one offered a different perspective. All-State WR Kerry Taylor quipped, "We better not mess up, because you know Joe will make sure we hear about it Monday morning in class."

Coach Belles (1st year, 7th overall), welcomes back 43 lettermen, including 10 starters (5 offense, 5 defense). His comments are in quotes. The QB is senior and captain Brad Gruner (6-foot-2, 215 lbs, 3.5 GPA), and this signal caller has never lost a game he has started in his prep career. Outstanding qualities include, "Leadership, speed, and maturity. The players really respond to his demeanor." He is also a standout on the baseball diamond. Senior RB Tony Sims (5-foot-9, 175 lbs) is a "grinder." "He's quiet off the field, but plays hard. A solid work ethic, and Tony is always a threat to break a big play." Backfield mate junior FB Covaughn Deboskie (5-foot-11, 180 lbs, 4.16 GPA) is the "total package." "This kid is the real deal – a game breaker with explosiveness, breakaway speed, and vision. He makes people miss with his quickness, and he's one of the smartest players on the field. He can see a play develop before it happens."

The two WR's are studs. Arizona State University commit senior Kerry Taylor (6-foot-1, 180 lbs, 3.66 GPA) starts the season as a three-star Rivals.com prospect. "This playmaker, while not the fastest guy on the field, has a perfect blend of strength, speed, and balance. I think he likes to compare himself to Reggie Bush – those same qualities that drive defenses crazy. He earned All-Region and All-State recognition as a WR last year – and is a terrific college prospect. He'll play some wingback for us to take advantage of his athleticism." The other WR is senior Trey Peacock (6-foot-2, 180 lbs). "You can start with strength and speed, and add great hands in traffic. Trey is a very hard worker. He also excels in track, including the 110 hurdles and 300 meter hurdles." The Hamilton Huskies came in 2nd at State in the 4 x 400, and three of those burners were Taylor, Deboskie, and Peacock.

Anchoring the line is two-year starter LT Chase Stone (6-foot-5, 230 lbs). This D1 prospect has "good leadership qualities, and has a nice football mean streak." The rest of the OL will consist mostly of juniors. The TE is senor JT Dixon (6-foot-2, 210 lbs), and he has "ideal qualities for that position". "This includes soft hands and excellent blocking techniques." He is also a standout on the basketball team.

Some might refer to it as the 'wrecking crew'. Simply put, it's going to be hard to move the ball on this group. Arizona State University commit and All-Region selection Colin Parker LB, (6-foot-2, 205 lbs) is "the leader of the defense." A top-notch cover guy moving sideline to sideline, Parker is athletic, and is carrying a 4.5 GPA in the classroom. He is also another three-star prospect on Rivals.com, and was voted one of the team captains. Senior strong safety Nico Sessions (6-foot-2, 205 lbs) is "big at his position, a very physical player, and a real headhunter." ILB Matt Sanford (6-foot-0, 215 lbs), a two-year starter and All-Region awardee, has "a great motor, excels at getting off the blocks, and is another outstanding leader type." Junior LB Elliott Harper (6-foot-1, 225 lbs) is "a solid run stopper, with excellent football instincts." All-Region selection and captain Andy Workman (6-foot-1, 185 lbs, 4.36 GPA) is the "leader of the secondary." This three-year starter is one of the best free safeties in the state. Besides being a high honor roll student in the classroom, Andy also excels on the baseball team.

The other member of the Huskies formidable secondary is senior DB Glenn Love (6-foot-3, 195 lbs, 3.9 GPA). Being recruited by most of the PAC Ten schools, "Glenn has exceptional acceleration to the ball, great athleticism, and a strong work ethic. He missed most of last season with an injury, but is ready to go." He had a slew of interceptions in the ASU passing tournament in June. Both DE's are experienced seniors, and tough hombres. They are Chris Schaan (6-foot-2, 205 lbs), and Kori Rutt (6-foot-2, 230 lbs). They both have the speed and agility to create havoc in the opponent's backfield.

Other players that will see considerable playing time or start include: Kory Boxberger (Sr, DL, 5-foot-9, 200 lbs), Tanner Chitwood (Sr, DB, 5-foot-9, 175 lbs), Andy Holmberg (Jr, OL, 6-foot-1, 270 lbs), Jordan Indovino (Sr, OL, 5-foot-10, 240 lbs), Patrick Jamison (Jr, OL, 6-foot-5, 265 lbs), Zach Moore (Jr, LB, 5-foot-9, 180 lbs), Kyland Resor (Jr, OL, 5-foot-9, 230 lbs), Gerell Robinson (Jr, WR/QB, 6-foot-4, 225 lbs), and Justin Salum (Sr, WR/RB/C, 6-foot-0, 195 lbs).

The coaching staff is top notch. The asst Head Coach is Manny Palomarez, who was responsible for the formidable Husky defenses in past years. Mike Johnston is the offensive coordinator, and Lane Reynold will oversee the defensive unit. Coach Belles brought over two of his outstanding assistants from Mountain Ridge, in Craig Cobley (RB), and Mark Martinez (OL). Rounding out the staff is Steve Zeiders (QB), Mark Tucker (OL/TE), Pat Quinn (DL), Bernard Wilson (DL), Mark Stromayer (LB), Mike Maluski (DB/S), Ånthony Parker (DB/CB), and Mike Barth (K).

Team strengths include, "great depth, tradition, and a group that is willing to pay the price." Coach Belles is integrating some of his Wing T, but "the offense that was in place was already doing a lot." Hamilton opens against a formidable Red Mountain squad at Arizona State's Sun Devil Stadium, and coach feels it is a "great honor" to be selected to play for a National T.V. audience. He is very cognizant of the success of the former teams. "Every year, the team expects to play 14 games. But, ultimately, you make your own footprints." Indeed.