After suffering nine straight running clocks in 2011, the Norland game would be the only such instance for the Hawks in 2012.

    On top of that came not only competitive games but some close ones as well. Perhaps Springs’ best performance all year came on Oct. 19 when they took on district favorite and eventual district champion American at Milander.

    Led by a great defensive effort, the Hawks went toe-to-toe with the Patriots and took a 0-0 tie into the last quarter before eventually dropping a 7-0 decision.

    Some felt a disappointing loss to  Reagan (35-20) was a game that should have been won. But perhaps some should know that Reagan, as an independent, turned in its best season (9-1) in the program’s history.

    Bethune managed to get some kids in, especially on the defensive side of the ball including a gem in defensive end Ja Re’ Tolbert, who will be a legitimate Division I prospect as a senior next season. And, at least it would appear on the surface, things are going in the right direction again.

    Of course after last season, was there anywhere to go but up?

    Not that it’s all bouquets for Bethune.

    Sideline management and organization (my specialty, folks, as a member of the coaching staff at Monsignor Pace) left plenty to be desired.

    An awful decision at the end of the Miami High game likely cost them the game and there were way too many instances of too many kids out on the field — one time coming out of a timeout, costing Springs a crucial penalty.

    Those things need to get cleaned up and Bethune understands that. And, bottom line, no matter what anyone says about effort and being competitive, wins are wins and losses are losses. Thus one-win seasons down the road aren’t going to get it done, either.

    Next up for Springs will be the state’s every-other-year reclassification shuffle in late January. It’s an important event as it will go a long way in determining exactly who the Hawks will wind up with in their district for the 2013 season and how they might be able to fill in their entire schedule. One can only hope in Hawkland that there will be more winnable games.