Harold Hogg set the gridiron on fire last week with a record-setting rushing performance, proving he’s one of the top running backs in the state.
The Apollo junior amassed 442 yards and six touchdowns on 46 carries in a dominant 56-35 victory over Owensboro Catholic, claiming the school’s single-game record for rushes and touchdowns.
“The (offensive) line was blocking well and everything was going as planned,” said Hogg of his performance. “This is hard work and I love to push myself because this is what I see myself doing as a career. Every night is another opportunity to get better.”
It also bumped Hogg’s season-long rushing totals to 2,142 yards and 23 scores. His 214 yards per game ranks third among all running backs in the state and first among Class 6A schools.
Hogg transferred to Apollo from Catholic at the beginning of this season, and much of their explosiveness can be attributed to him. Eagles head coach Phil Hawkins said it’s hard for anyone to stop Hogg.
“Harold is a pretty dynamic running back, and at the competition level we’ve competed at he’s still coming up with 200-300 yard nights,” said Apollo head coach Phil Hawkins said. “That should tell anybody that he can run the ball against any competition.”
Hogg has proven he can run through defenders or go around them, and he doesn’t let a mistake slow him down.
“There’s never been a secret about his ability to run the ball,” Hawkins said. “He’s such a good kid. He’s done a phenomenal job for us and I love the kid because he tries hard on every down and when he does make mistakes, he’s ready for the next down.”
While Hogg does is the one running up the numbers, he was quick to acknowledge the pivotal role the offensive line has played in his success.
“My O-line is great,” he said. “They do their job and help me get it done. They deserve a lot of credit.”
The Eagles travel to McCracken County on Friday for the first round of the playoffs — the Mustangs beat Apollo in an 81-51 shootout earlier this year. A win would set up a rematch with the winner of Daviess County and Henderson County, both of which earned narrow come-from-behind victories over the Eagles in the regular season.
“I feel like we should be on a roll heading into the playoffs,” Hogg said. “I’m really looking forward to it. I’m ready for us to go as far as we can.”
Hawkins said with leadership from hogg and some recent adjustments overall to the game plan, he and the Eagles are prepared to turn some heads in the playoffs.
“We have a great O-line for Harold and he understands it and we can grind games out with him,” Hawkins said. “I’ve been telling our kids, and I think people that have watched us lately know, that we’ve closed the gaps on teams. Harold has a team around him that loves him he gives it all he has for them.”
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