Sports Spotlight: Ledger Hatch, Dr. Phillips football

A senior on the Dr. Phillips football team, Ledger Hatch is the kind of athlete that many opposing defenses double team. While Hatch still has a few games left with the Panthers, he will continue his football career next fall as a member of the football team at Harvard University. 
 

When did you first get into football?

I first started football around the age of 5 or 6, and it was at my local YMCA playing flag football. I didn’t play tackle football until I was in middle school.
 

What has kept you in the sport for so long?

Just the excitement of every play — every play has a chance of going the whole length of field and getting everybody all excited and riled up. Any given play can make a difference, and you can leave your mark on the game.
 

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself since your freshman season?

Just the coaching has really helped me develop as a player. We have some of the best coaches in the country at Dr. Phillips, so I think as far as I’ve developed, they’ve definitely help me get to where I need to be.
 

Do you have a highlight moment over the last four years?

There was a play against Timber Creek — it was 4th-and-9 — and Isaiah (Givens), he scrambled out to the right, and he just kind of chucked it up to me, and I caught a first down. It proved to be pivotal in the game, but at the time, I didn’t really realize it. We ended up scoring later and on fourth down, I converted like a 25-yard pass — I jumped over like, five defenders to catch the ball. That was last year.
 

What’s your favorite part about playing wide receiver? The hardest part?

My favorite part about playing the position is definitely the glory and the big cheers you get whenever you score a long touchdown — everyone gets excited and it gets the whole team going. I think the most challenging part would probably be just continuing to learn all the releases and all these different ways you can run your route, because (for) each route, there (are) infinite ways you can run it.
 

How has this season been for you so far?

It’s going pretty well. We had a little hiccup in Week Two, but I think we’re good now, and we’re in the best shape we’ve been so far. I definitely haven’t taken anything for granted this season, and you had to know that any week could be your last week with this COVID-19 protocol. I’ve just been trying to take everything in and really cherish the friendships and all of the moments.
 

Did you have any goals in mind that you were hoping to accomplish in this last season?

Obviously, the goal every year is a state championship, so it’s been on my mind heavy and something we’ve been preaching to the whole team. In the last year, I’ve just been focusing on my leadership role within the program and trying to do my best to help my teammates rise up.