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Hancock’s record-setting offense earns 5 All-U.P. awards

Hancock’s Jake Patchin, left, earned All-U.P. Dream Team honors, while Alex Nordstrom, right, was named an All-U.P. Large School running back. (George Leinonen photo)

The most prolific offense in Hancock Bulldogs history was rewarded on Wednesday when the Upper Peninsula Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association selected the All-U.P. teams. 

Hancock senior tackle Jake Patchin earned Dream Team honors, while sophomore quarterback Colton Salani, senior running back Aaron Barnes, junior running back Alex Nordstrom and senior end Grant Hokenson all were named to the All-U.P. Large School team. 

The Bulldogs scored a school-record 315 points (35 points per game) during the regular season while rushing for over 1,900 yards and passing for more than 1,500. Leading the way for the playmakers was the offensive line, led by the 6-foot-3, 225-pound Patchin. 

“The offense doesn’t really happen unless the offensive line really goes,” Hancock coach Ted Holmstrom said. “(Patchin) had a really great year for us at offensive tackle.”

Salani orchestrated Hancock’s offense from the QB position and completed 94 of 159 passes for 1,481 yards, 17 TDs and had just seven INTs. He also ran for 322 yards and seven TDs. 

“Phenomenally hard worker who was at every weight room session and workout,” Holmstrom said. “Great attitude and doesn’t let anything bug him. He just brings it and is a very positive guy to work with as far as everything he does.”

Hancock had the luxury of a two-back system with Barnes as the hammer between the tackles and Nordstrom as the outside threat off tackle and along the edges. 

Barnes gained 725 yards and 10 TDs on 104 carries and also added 27 catches for 432 yards and six TDs. 

“One of the strongest guys on the team with phenomenal strength and acceleration,” Holmstrom said. “Just a tough, hard-nosed kid. He was a very exciting player.”

Nordstrom also went over 1,000 all-purpose yards, finishing with 846 yards rushing and 10 TDs on 141 attempts and 222 yards and one TD on 17 receptions. 

“He’s a tailback who really knows how to read blocks and find the holes,” Holmstrom said. “I coached running backs at Tech for nine years, and I know what a good tailback is and he’s one of the best I coached. He reads blocks and is outstanding at making the appropriate cut.”

Hokenson set a school record with a 20.3 yard per catch average. He caught 40 passes for 812 yards receiving and nine TDs, working as Hancock’s top vertical threat who could also beat man-to-man coverage with precise footwork on his routes.

“He’s the best receiver I’ve ever coached,” Holmstrom said. “I had a kid in Wyoming when I coached there, he was one of the top 25 ranked receivers in Wyoming, and Hokenson is better. He just comes off the chart.”

Senior linebacker Carson Turner received All-U.P. Special Mention, and senior defensive back Michael Johnson earned All-U.P. Honorable Mention. 

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