The Hudson Explorers Football team recently finished a season to remember. The 2022 season was one of the most memorable and successful seasons that Hudson has seen in quite a while. After the 2021 season, the team lost some standout players on both sides of the ball. Aiden Lal, the starting running back, moved on to play at the Air Force Academy in Colorado after an amazing high school career. Several other record-breaking seniors graduated in 2022 which left the team with some spots to fill. While the team lost several star players, they clearly worked hard over the off season to make up for it.
Hudson Football started off the season with a close game against the rival Solon Comets, just creeping past by one point. The next week, visiting Euclid was shut out 35-0. Starting Quarterback Jagger Pallay showed out by throwing a perfect 7 for 7 with 3 touchdowns. Running Back Ian Ludewig had a great game as well as he rushed for 2 touchdowns, catching another. After the momentum of starting out 2-0, the team used that energy to keep getting better. Throughout the season, Hudson was undefeated against all of their Suburban League opponents. Hudson held off every team that visited them at Memorial Stadium this season, defending their home turf. Some of their memorable games were the homecoming game, and senior night. The homecoming game ended 42-26 in Hudson’s favor against the competitive North Royalton team. The seniors held their own on October 21 against the Stow-Munroe Falls Bulldogs on their night of recognition.
With the support of the fans behind them, Hudson Football ended the regular season undefeated with 10 wins. Hudson was feeling good and proving themselves on the field every single Friday night. The playoffs started at home against the Solon Comets on the 28th of October. Despite the close game against Solon two months prior, the explorers beat them by 31, led by big rushing games from Ludewig, Pallay, and receiver Gio DePompei.
The next game was important for the team because they were matching up against the team that sent them home in last season’s playoffs, Walsh Jesuit. The Walsh Warriors beat Hudson last year in a game that no one could forget. Hudson came out strong against Walsh this year, and ended up beating them 34-7. Hudson put their trust in Jagger Pallay this week, as he rushed for almost 250 yards paired with 2 touchdowns. Ian Ludewig had another great game with 3 rushing touchdowns. Hudson’s defense did a great job holding Walsh to just 1 touchdown in this game.
Riding the wave of being 12-0, Hudson was prepared for round 3 against Riverside. Riverside was favored heading into the game, but Hudson didn’t pay any attention to the odds against them. Jagger Pallay had a great game, rushing and throwing touchdowns, and finishing with a QB rating of 156.3. Jack Jenkins was impressive on both sides of the ball in this game. He had some impressive catches, along with one touchdown reception and 143 receiving yards. The defense held Riverside to 14 points, allowing the offense to creep by them for the win. Hudson finished victorious with 16 total points.
Hudson fought hard the following week against Archbishop Hoban. Unfortunately, the Knights ended Hudson’s season in the fourth round of the playoffs. Despite a tough loss, Hudson’s season was one to remember. Despite being division II, Hudson was still ranked 15th overall in the state. Hudson had their best season since 2014, where they also finished 13-1.
Jack Jenkins dominated as a receiver and a defensive back. He led the team in receiving touchdowns and interceptions, with 8 of each. Gio DePompei and Trey Sharp both had 3 receiving touchdowns.
Hudson’s amazing season was recognized across the Suburban league. Head Coach Jeff Gough won Suburban League Coach of the year, and Running Back Ian Ludewig won Suburban League Offensive Player of the Year. Ludewig had 26 rushing touchdowns this season and almost 2200 yards. He averaged nearly 157 rushing yards per game. Ludewig impressively had a receiving and passing touchdown as well.
Jagger Pallay finished with 16 passing touchdowns paired with 7 rushing touchdowns. He threw for 1,738 yards and rushed for 829.
Pallay could not have done it without his offensive line. Hudson’s offensive line was very impressive, led by Tommy Ricard, John Kampa, Logan Hensel, Matthew, and Jake Clapper. The offensive line gave Pallay a chance to throw all his touchdowns, and provided a window for him and Ludewig to have great rushing seasons.
On the defense, Henry Caspar, Ronan Spohn, Lucas Offredo, and Blake Toth were all named to the Suburban League First team for their great seasons and contributions to the team. Jack Jenkins, Jagger Pallay, and Tommy Ricard were all named first team all Suburban League as well. Gio DePompei, John Kampa, Logan Hensel, Nolan Tanner, and Trey Sharp were all recognized on the Second Team all Suburban League this season. Sam Scharville and Michael Peri were named as honorable mentions for the Suburban League.
The team should be incredibly proud of their season this year. This was a great way for the impressive senior class to end their careers with Hudson Football, and hopefully next year’s team will be equally as efficient.
