By Blake Chadwick
Haven’s Aiden Hoopes is one of the many weapons that the Wildcats will rely on during 2024.
Hoopes put up 655 receiving yards on 37 catches and nine touchdowns while being named as a first team all-league receiver, a first team district receiver and an honorable mention all-state selection.
The senior played 6-man football through middle school and up until last year when he played 11-man football again for the first time since he was in second grade, but that didn’t stop him from leading.
“Last year was my first year of 11-man football so it was a change for me,” Hoopes said. “But I have great coaches and teammates that push me on the field to keep getting better. I’m a very energetic guy that’s always making jokes and hyping everyone up. From the JV guys to varsity guys I just try and get everyone hyped up for Friday nights so we can be ready to play.”
Hoopes and Haven finished 5-4 last season but know with all their experience they can be really special.
“To get a deep playoff run we have to keep clean heads and attack each practice like it’s our most important practice of the year,” Hoopes said. “Last year was my first year at Haven and it’s a great group of guys that push each other and support each other through the year which helps make everyone better. And if you apply great coaches like Drew Thalmann and Thomas Cooprider that can adjust in crunch time then you really have a chance to make a run.”
