There was 2008 . . . The Hawks mounted a 21-0 lead, then collapsed, 34-27.
There was 2009 . . . They rang up almost twice as many yards, 331-71, and owned a 14-0 lead before falling, 17-16.
There was 2010 . . . They lost this one, 14-13, after Hurley had blocked a punt and returned the ball 16 yards to provide a 13-7 lead.
"When you're eating Thanksgiving turkey after games like those, there's always a bitter taste in your mouth," Hurley said. "We're all hoping there's a different outcome this year."
By we're, Hurley meant his teammates and coaches, but even more so his family members.
As many as 30 could be in attendance and that total will include five brothers, each of whom is a Prep alumnus. John ('02) is the oldest, followed by Tom, Joe, Bob and Pete. Every bro played at least freshman football, and all made it to varsity in one sport or another. Some went the multiple route, as does Jim (lacrosse).
"My brothers have been great to me," Jim said. "They've supported and encouraged me since Day 1 and all through my time at the Prep. I guess the best times were 2 years ago, because Pete was a senior and we got to go through that whole season together."
In 2010, Hurley made 17 catches for 250 yards and four touchdowns as the No. 2 target for now-senior Skyler Mornhinweg, whose dad, Marty, is the Eagles' offensive coordinator (not Conwell-Egan; Philadelphia).
This season he boasts team highs in catches and yards (25-417, with three TDs) and, well, those numbers could be much higher if not for . . .
In the early moments of Week 1, as the Hawks hammered St. Marguerite d'Youville, of Canada, Hurley injured his left ankle.
"I thought it was broken. I felt a pop," he said. "When the X-rays came back, they showed no broken bones, so that was good. But the ligaments were stretched and torn apart.
