Last season

Record: 6-6 overall, 4-1 in Big Seven 4A/5A conference (tied for first)
Playoffs: Lost in 5A second round to Croatan

2026 preview

Seaforth had a year to remember in 2025.

Last fall, the Hawks notched the most wins in their short history, won a share of a conference title for the first time and won their first playoff game. It was a transformative campaign that changed the perception of the program and instilled a new standard.

But, Seaforth wants more. And to top the feeling of last year’s success, the Hawks are leaving those memories in their rear view and embracing the unchartered journey ahead of them.

“Last year is over,” Seaforth coach Tolbert Matthews, entering his second year at the helm, said as his message for 2026. “We’ve got new goals, new dreams, new expectations. The boys know that we’re trying to dominate our out of conference play. We’re trying to win our conference. We’re going to get back in the playoffs, and we’re trying to make a playoff run. That one win was not good enough. We’ve seen what we can do, and we know we got more in the tank.”

After graduating 17 seniors, including key two-way athletes Nick Gregory and Patrick Miller, the Hawks are reloading with a mix of young and old faces.

On the offensive end, senior quarterback Duncan Parker will lead the veteran presence. Parker threw for over 2,600 yards and 29 touchdowns with 12 interceptions in 2025. He also rushed for over 600 yards and logged seven scores on the ground. As his quarterback gets ready to lead the offense under new offensive coordinator Bryan Pekich this year, Matthews expects improvements in Parker’s progressions.

“He knows where to get the ball now,” Matthews said. “Coach has been working with him day in and day night.”

Senior receiver Max Hinchman, who recorded over 550 receiving yards and five touchdowns, will look to once again be one of Parker’s main targets. On the offensive line, the Hawks will return seniors Owen Murray and Rio Ortega and mix in sophomore Brian Forrest and junior Hunter Nelson.

“We’re big on the (offensive) line,” Matthews said.

Defensively, Seaforth will have to fill huge holes in the secondary. Junior defensive backs Jude O’Neill and Jace Jones are expected to be leaders in the position group. At inside linebacker, the Hawks will once again rely on junior Tyler Truesdale and sophomore Nolan Greiner, who each logged 89 tackles in 2025. Sophomore defensive end Kieran Pooley and sophomore tackle Jeremiah Gilmore will be key contributors on the defensive line.

“(Gilmore) is a Power Four player,” Matthews said. “Jeremiah’s explosive. Straight dominator. Speed. Always in the weight room. One of the strongest kids that we have. But again, he’s so young. Raw talent.”

Seaforth is also welcoming a shift in its special teams as sophomore Parker Jones will bring his kicking skills from soccer.

“Parker is very consistent,” Matthews said. “He (kicks) that thing easily 40 yards out. No question. So again, that changes the game for us on offense even though we’re looking to put it in the box every time we get that ball. But we do know, hey, we get inside that 30, 35-yard line, we can send him out there and knock that thing through.”

For the first time, Seaforth is entering a season with substantial attention and expectations. The team has worn a shirt this offseason that reads “hunted now hunters,” reminding the Hawks of the new mindset needed to grow.

“Those guys know they used to be hunted,” Matthews said. “They used to be the team that everybody wanted to put on the schedule. Everybody wanted to play us. They knew Seaforth was on the schedule, and it’s an easy win. But, now we’re the hunters now. So, it’s kind of turned around. They know we’re going to attack people. We’re going to dominate. We’re no longer the prey.”

Schedule
*conference game

Aug. 21 — vs. Chapel Hill
Aug. 28 — at Southeast Alamance
Sept. 3 — vs. Princeton
Sept. 11 — at Northwood
Sept. 18 — vs. North Moore
Sept. 25 — BYE
Oct. 2 — at Orange*
Oct. 9 — vs. Cedar Ridge*
Oct. 16 — at South Granville*
Oct. 23 — vs. Webb*
Oct. 30 — at Carrboro*