Honesdale's Dynamic Duo Prepared to Unleash Their Aerial Assault on the LFC
HONESDALE — Throughout its history, the vast majority of successful teams from the Lackawanna Football Conference have been known for two things: Hard-hitting defense and a powerful ground game.
While there are exceptions, high-flying aerial assaults tend to be few and far between. Generally speaking, the recipe for division titles has always included an elite tailback and intimidating middle linebacker.
Last fall, Honesdale boasted a solid ground game and a hard-nosed linebacking corps. However, as the season progressed, an exciting new aspect of the offense began to emerge.
It was electrifying passing game, the type of quick strike offense that could alter the course of a game in the blink of an eye … one which had Hornet fans sitting on the edge of their seats every Friday night.
Dynamic Duo
Before the 2021 season even began, Coach Paul Russick was already hinting at a radical move he was contemplating.
While there were several viable veteran options for the starting quarterback spot, ignoring freshman Aiden Collins was getting harder and harder to do.
At well over six feet tall and weighing nearly 200 pounds, Collins was an imposing physical presence in the pocket. He also came equipped with a high IQ and an arm best described as cannon-like.
“Let’s be honest: Aiden’s arm strength is off the charts,” said Coach Russick. “He can stand back there and make all the throws. He’s still just a sophomore, but we’re really excited about where he’s at in his development as a quarterback.”
Not surprisingly, it only took a few practices for even skeptics to see that Collins would be the starter. And, the question of who’d be his favorite target was answered just as quickly.
Kage Southerton isn’t the biggest, tallest of strongest player on the field. However, the tough-as-nails senior wideout is quick, fast, possesses great hands and is arguably the best route runner in the entire LFC.
Last fall, Southerton was on the receiving end of several of the most memorable passes in recent Hornet history. In fact, just about every time Collins needed a big play, he looked for Southerton … and the all-star receiver delivered.
“There are so many great things I could say about Kage,” Coach Russick averred. “He knows this offense better than anyone. Plus, at the high school level, it’d be pretty tough to find a receiver with better hands or runs better routes.”
The Collins-to-Southerton combination clicked against all different types of defenses and in just about any context. Case in point: Abington Heights.
Honesdale’s track record against the Comets had been nothing short of dismal over the years. In fact, the Hornets had lost 14 of the last 15 times these two teams met. In addition, they’d never won a game at the infamous Pit in Clarks Summit.
That all changed last September when the Red & Black shocked Abington on its home field, notching a heart-stopping 20-19 victory. The game clinching touchdown came with just 18 seconds left in regulation when Collins connected with Southerton on 4th and 16.
It was Kage’s second long TD catch of a game in which he finished with an eye-popping 215 receiving yards.
By the Numbers
Collins and Southerton each put up solid numbers last fall in LFC action.
Collins hit on 62-of-131 passing attempts during his freshman campaign, good for a completion rate of just under 50 percent. He threw for eight touchdowns and received Honorable Mention status in Division II.
“Aiden’s development as a quarterback has been really good,” Coach Russick said. “His poise in the pocket and command of the huddle are constantly improving. Aiden is becoming a leader on the field.”
Southerton led the Hornets with 45 receptions during his junior year. He piled up more than 700 yards and scored seven touchdowns. Southerton was named to the Division II All-Star Team at receiver while also recording 32 tackles on defense.
“This is a kid I’ve been excited about since the first day I saw him on the field,” Coach Russick said.
“This is my third year working with Kage and he’s definitely not an unknown commodity around the league anymore. People have to know where he is at all times, and if they don’t Kage is going to hurt them.”
In Their Words
Collins and Southerton took a few minutes to chat just before practice Wednesday morning.
Aiden appears more relaxed and comfortable now that he has a full varsity season under his belt. He’s confident and decisive with his decisions.
“My biggest goal this year is for our team to play really well and have a winning season,” he said. “I think we all learned a lot last season and I think we can definitely get back to the playoffs.”
For his part, Southerton is laser-focused on doing whatever he can to help the Hornets reach that next level.
“There are two really big things I want to see us do this season,” Kage said. “It’s been eight years since Honesdale’s had a winning record. We need to do that. Plus, I really want to beat Paupack too.”
Insofar as individual goals go, Collins is hoping to improve all his numbers and make First Team All-Conference. Southerton is gunning for 1,000 yards and looking to step up to All-Regional status.
“They have a great connection on the field,” said Coach Russick. “If Aiden and Kage keep working hard and stay on the same page, they’re going to do some great things this year.”
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Lackawanna Football Conference Honesdale Hornets Southerton Collins
