Ava Kashani
Nick Kestian prepares for the next play against Fishers High School at Hamilton Southeastern High School on September 9, 2025.
As the leaves begin to change into different hues of red, a new season rolls around the corner: Mudsock.
Players, coaches, and fans were buzzing with anticipation this week because of the strong desire to beat Fishers. Over the past five years, HSE has struggled to earn the Mudsock trophy and steal bragging rights from “Red School”. Although last year resulted in a 1-1 tie, the Royals entered this game as the No. 1 team in the state, eager to finally turn the tide.
“Mudsock means to be there for my school,” Senior defender and captain Nick Kestian said. “This is a privilege to play in front of everyone. Some of our best warmups, some of our best everything. The locker room was electric.”
At the game, the atmosphere matched the intensity. The student section was packed with red and blue, creating the feel of a Friday night football game. The energy from the crowd made every possession more intense. However, as a result, neither team managed to secure a victory. The match ended in 0-0 draw, marking the second year in a row that Mudsock game ended without a winner.
While the outcome wasn’t what HSE had hoped for, the Royals still see the rivalry matchup as a start for the road to sectionals. “It would be huge. We had some rough games in the past; this could really boost us for the second half of the season,” Kestian shared.