The ACDC/TDA Thunderhawks are gearing up for the new football season with confidence, determination, and a roster full of players eager to prove themselves. Head coach Adam Miller says the optimism in camp is high, and he believes the Thunderhawks have the talent to compete with the bulk of teams on their schedule.

“This is an almost brand-new group of players who haven’t had the chance to showcase their abilities yet,” he said. “I’m very optimistic about this group of guys.”

The Thunderhawks return several key leaders from last season’s playoff run, including Jamian Medicine Horn, Kashton Garcia, Grant Wunder, and Oakley Spaans. These veterans will be counted on to set the tone both on and off the field.

Several younger players have also stepped up during practices, including Sean Hinckley and Kaylon Beaner, who are expected to play big roles this year. “I have high expectations for everyone on this team to make a splash, but it all starts with our leaders,” the coach said.

One of the program’s main points of emphasis this season is building a strong “family” atmosphere among the players. The team has also installed a new offense and defense, and the coaching staff has been impressed with how quickly the players have learned the new plays and formations at such a quick pace.

This summer, the Thunderhawks turned heads at a camp at Black Hills State University, where they delivered several standout plays and helped secure wins for the South Dakota schools over out-of-state competition.

The team’s identity this year is all about proving doubters wrong. “Most people have already written us off,” the coach said. “We’re here to prove people wrong.”

While the Thunderhawks know their schedule is filled with tough matchups, they’re taking a one-gameat- a-time approach. The season opener will be about letting the players compete at the highest level possible and setting the tone for the rest of the year.

“I’m excited that this group of players will finally have their shot to go out and compete and show people that we aren’t going to be pushovers this year,” the coach said. “If we do that, I believe we can make another run at the playoffs—just like last year.”