Nathan Jennings and his Hawthorne teammates didn’t need game consoles or gadgets on their Christmas lists this year. Instead, the Hornets leaned on a different kind of list heading into the Holiday season, one that steered them to their third state championship in four seasons.
“We all left really bad when we didn’t win it last year for that group of seniors, so we all made lists of what was going to happen in 2025, and it made for the most intense offseason I’ve ever been a part of,” junior athlete Nathan Jennings said.
The list included an undefeated season, a state title, a renewed weight-room mindset and an offseason conditioning plan designed to push every Hornet to the edge. After three straight wins to open the year, their hopes of a perfect season ended with a loss to Oakleaf. From that point forward, Hawthorne didn’t lose again.
“Our mindsets changed after that day. You never want to lose, and we probably were a little cocky,” Jennings said. “But we used that loss to work even harder and make sure we didn’t have that feeling again. We really played hard after that and tried to show people what we were made of.”
Hawthorne outscored its next five opponents 185–45 and entered the postseason as the state’s No. 2-ranked team. After convincing playoff wins over Branford and Williston, the Hornets met Chiefland with a spot in the state championship on the line. Hawthorne held Chiefland to six points, and Jennings delivered a career-high three interceptions to earn the UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week honor.
“Everyone seemed to doubt us going into that game. There was a ton of talking on the field, and I told those guys not to throw it my way or it was gonna end in a bad day,” Jennings said. “When I talk, I want the other team to hear me, know where I am and that I’m coming for the football. It’s about being a ball hawk and doing what I can to help our team win.”The victory set up a championship
matchup with undefeated, highly ranked Blountstown, a team averaging 50 points per game, and a team that has run over its opponents all year long.
“Shout out to Coach Cederic Daniels. He had our defense ready and we just had to go out there and play,” Jennings said. “They said they would run all over us, but we played aggressive and with a chip on our shoulder. We watched a ton of film, and by the second half we knew we could attack them and they couldn’t stop our offense once we got things going.”
Jennings helped fuel that offense with a 24-yard touchdown catch just before halftime on a play that was checked at the line of scrimmage. Hawthorne pulled away for a 24–8 win, checking off the biggest item on their offseason list.
“I love the town of Hawthorne, and I doubt that I would be the guy I am today if I didn’t have the people around me helping and making me a better football player,” Jennings said. “This coaching staff is legit and they stress putting our bodies on the line for the team. Don’t be selfish, and do what it takes to be successful.”
Jennings also credited athletic trainer Olivia Rooney for keeping the team healthy and prepared each week.
“Olivia is amazing and a big part of why we are successful. She makes sure we are taken care of, hydrating, doing our therapy and eating the right way,” he said. “And as good as she is at her job, she’s also really funny and that keeps us in a great mood.”
As the Hornets celebrate another title, Jennings’ offseason list may look different heading into his senior season, but the goal won’t change: hosting another state championship trophy for Hawthorne and continuing one of the greatest dynasty’s in North Central Florida football history.
Each weekly UF Health Athlete of the Week winner becomes eligible for the UF Health High School Athlete of the Year Scholarship, a $2,500 award presented at the end of the 2025–26 academic year.