After a run to the play-in round of the state playoffs last year, the Hazen football team seems to be finally hitting its stride and finding an identity.

So what’s the identity? Tough, relentless running.

The Highlanders led the Seamount in rushing last year with 2,288 yards (268 per game). At the same time, they also had the fewest lost fumbles (five) and best turnover ratio (plus 13) in the league.

“We take a lot of pride in those two things from last year,” said Hazen coach Drew Oliver. “We led the league in rushing, which was a big goal for us. And that turnover ratio, which is two-fold. Offensively it’s securing the ball. Defensively we have that mentality that we need to get the ball and take it back.”

It worked. Hazen finished 6-2 overall and 4-2 in the Seamount, good for third place. While this was a heavily run-oriented offense, the passing game was efficient under senior Travis Johnson, throwing seven touchdowns to two interceptions.

Junior Tony Nipert steps in for Johnson at quarterback, a role that’s much more significant than the low passing numbers may indicate in Hazen’s Wing-T offense.

“Just to be able to conduct the offense and orchestrate what we need to have done,” Oliver said. “It has to be a good strong leader who will command respect and keep the guys focused.”

Another leader for the team is junior Cody Moorhead. Moorhead will already be coming into his third year starting for the team. He made the all-Seamount first team as a defensive end last year.

“He’s really coming into his own as far as a leader,” Oliver said. “He just continues to improve and impress. I’m expecting big things from Cody.”

Moorhead finished last year with six tackles for loss and four and a half sacks. He also plays tight end on offense.

Fullback Daymontray Brown will be the team’s workhorse back. Hazen’s top two rushers from 2010 (Keith Carlson, 637 yards and Isaiah Talley, 520 yards) both graduated, but in this offense a number of rushers will step in the fill the void. Cody Taylor and Eric Jacobs will get a lot of carries as well.

Juniors Tyler Wicks and Drew Kelly will lead the offensive line tasked with paving the way for the Highlanders’ rushers.

On defense, Jesus Lara at defensive end, Jacobs at linebacker, Taylor at corner will all be leaders. Kyle Nelson and Kelly will also be key.

Hazen opens the season against Blaine Sept. 3 at CenturyLink Field in Seattle as part of the Emerald City Kickoff Classic.

“It’s been a marking point for the whole offseason, to say here’s what we’re working toward,” Oliver said.

After that Hazen faces Cedarcrest Sept. 9. The Highlanders have a tough start to the Seamount schedule, playing Kennedy Catholic Sept. 17 and Lindbergh Sept. 23.