Isaac McFadden-Hamburg

Isaac McFadden isn’t your typical freshman. In May, he was competing in the NXGN quarterback camp at IMG Academy in Florida. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.85 seconds. McFadden (5’11, 170) can squat 330 pounds and power clean 220. He’s already starting at quarterback for Hamburg’s varsity team. Last Friday, McFadden led the Hawks on a decisive 13-play, 82-yard drive with 26 seconds remaining. After his 2-yard touchdown run, he took in the 2-point conversion for a thrilling 22-21 victory over Midd-West. “I was just locked in so we could go down and score and win the game,” he said. McFadden was 5-of-7 for 63 yards on that final drive. Hamburg rallied from a 21-7 deficit in the fourth quarter. “All of us were very excited. It was a blessing to win against a really good Midd-West team. Our line and our receivers played great all night,” noted McFadden.

The young quarterback finished 17-of-32 for 240 yards. Mason Strunk, a 6’4, 205-pound junior, had four catches for 128 yards and a touchdown. “He’s a great tight end. He can catch any ball I throw to him. He’s a really big weapon for us,” emphasized McFadden. He also utilized wide receivers Alex Soto and Ethan Horvath. They combined for eleven receptions and 105 yards. Soto, a 6’ junior, has a team-high nine catches for 93 yards and a score through two games. The (1-1) Hawks lost their top running back, Blaise Ernst, to a broken leg early last Friday night. Sophomore Thomas Johnson filled in with 16 carries for 41 yards. His 1-yard touchdown made it 21-14 with 4:22 left. Hamburg’s defense allowed just 239 total yards. Sophomore linebacker Bryce Schmeck leads the squad with 24 total tackles. Senior defensive lineman Astian Reppert (6’3, 235) is second with 19 tackles.

The Hawks gave head coach Tyler Hartranft his first career victory. “He’s a really great coach. He’s a very smart guy,” remarked McFadden. Hartranft returned to Hawk Hill after serving as the offensive coordinator at Pottsville a season ago. He was Hamburg’s OC in 2022 and 2023. The King’s College graduate coached at his alma mater from 2015-18. He then became the passing game coordinator at McDaniel College. In the offseason, McFadden works with former Wilson High School and Michigan standout Chad Henne. He spent fifteen years in the NFL with the Dolphins, Jaguars, and Chiefs. “He’s won two Super Bowls so I learned a lot from him,” said McFadden.

The Hawks host Bristol this Friday. The Warriors fell to Palisades 21-15 before defeating Pottstown 14-8. McFadden has completed 59% of his passes for 304 yards and 2 TD. He hasn’t thrown an interception. Hamburg’s offensive line includes a freshman and two sophomores. There are only nine seniors on the roster. “We have a lot of young guys on our team that start. They’re gonna build off of that as they get older. I feel like we’re gonna be a very good football team in the future,” replied McFadden.