HHS’ QB Neal makes college decision

HHS' Mike Neal
HHS' Mike Neal

Hahnville’s Mike Neal proved to be a winner in his two seasons as HHS quarterback, and the coaches at Northwestern Oklahoma State took notice.

Neal, a senior, recently signed with the school to continue his athletic career and academic pursuits.

“I’m extremely happy to be able to go play at the next level,” Neal said. “I’ve worked very hard for the past four years. I love football and it’s very nice for me to know now that I’ll have that chance to keep playing.”

Neal admitted that when he was first contacted by Northwestern Oklahoma State, it was the first he had heard of the school.

But after visiting their campus, he was sold. Neal said he’s excited to play for Rangers head coach Matt Walter, who is set to enter his second year heading the team. The tight-knit surrounding community also appealed to him, Neal noting it reminded him of home.

“It’s a small town,” Neal said. “Everybody knows everybody. That southern hospitality is definitely a part of it.”

Northwestern Oklahoma State competes in the Great American Conference of NCAA’s Division II.

Neal started at quarterback in each of the past two seasons for Hahnville, helping to lead the Tigers to the state quarterfinals in each of those seasons. He took the helm of the team in 2014 after transferring from John Curtis, helping the Tigers make the transition to an option offense under coach Nick Saltaformaggio.

While the offense struggled through the first five games of 2015 after dropping the option in favor of a more traditional attack, the Tigers caught fire from there, in large part thanks to Neal’s strong performance.

Perhaps most memorable in his tenure was his effort in the Tigers’ comeback performance against St. Amant in the second round of the Class 5A playoffs last season. He made a number of key plays, including a scrambling, last-second touchdown throw to Devonte Cravin that came just before halftime and generated a momentum wave that carried through the second half.

“Everyone asked me about that one after the game,” said Neal, who counted that game as his most memorable. “St. Amant was a good, tough team, tougher than I think we expected. (That play) felt like backyard football. In my head, I just thought, ‘just keep moving’. We needed that touchdown.”

Neal credited former coach Lou Valdin for helping him touch base with Northwestern Oklahoma State, and offensive coordinator Lester Ricard with greatly helping his development.

 

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