University’s Hayden George making the most of his final season on Baker’s Ridge
Trending
MORGANTOWN – The University High School football team is steamrolling its way through the 2026 season.
The Hawks are 5-0 entering Week 6 and have outscored their opponents 289-74 in five weeks, averaging 515.6 total yards per game.
One key cog in the UHS engine is senior Hayden George, who has been making an impact on both sides of the ball every game.
Through Week 5, George has 20 receptions for 539 yards and 11 touchdowns. He averages 27.0 yards per catch and 107.8 per game. Last season as a junior, George finished the year with 93 receptions for 1,323 yards and 11 touchdowns. He's already matched his 2025 season total for 11 touchdowns in 14 games with 11 in five games in 2026. More of his catches have gone for touchdowns than those that haven't.
He also has a 61-yard punt return TD for 12 total.
"I think our team as a whole is just more explosive this season," George said. "We all went into the offseason with the goal of getting faster and stronger, and we did that by showing up every day and pushing ourselves and each other."
He isn't the only one having an impressive season for the Hawks, as multiple players have racked up eye-catching numbers through the opening half of the schedule.
Hayden credits the team’s unselfishness for the success of the UHS offense.
"Everyone on our team will do anything that is asked of them for their teammates and coaches," he said. "It doesn't matter if it's running, catching, or blocking; we all want what's best for each other, and I think we do a great job of showing that every Friday night."
On defense, George occupies one of the cornerback positions and has become a strong defender through the years. He finished 2025 with seven interceptions but has yet to make one this season. He makes up for that by being one of the more willing tacklers at the defensive back position in the state, often found in the middle of the pile where the ball is.
"Playing both sides is something I take great pride in," he said. "I love being able to contribute to the team's success in any way I possibly can. Offense, defense, special teams, whatever it is. I just want to help my team win."
With the second half of the regular season starting Friday, George remains focused on one stat that you can't track: availability.
"Going down the stretch, I'm making sure I'm healthy, and my body is at its best every single game," he said. "I want to make sure I can be out there to keep making plays, and that all starts with how you take care of yourself and your body."
George and the Hawks will welcome Linsly to Mylan Pharmaceutical Stadium on Baker's Ridge at 7:00 p.m. for Homecoming on Friday.