Cook takes over as head coach; Ironhawks to open at Rochester
The Vermilion Ironhawks will have not only a new face leading on the sidelines, but many more players on those sidelines as well.
Zuriel Cook, an assistant with the program a year ago, is Vermilion’s new head football coach and his Ironhawks are set to open the 2025 season on Thursday.
That’s when Vermilion travels to take on perennial powerhouse Rochester.
Cook has rebuilt the Vermilion roster, which fell to as few as 20 players two years ago but has since grown dramatically.
About 55 players have been practicing as the Ironhawks get set for the new season.
Cook is the program’s fifth coach in as many years but is hoping to bring stability to the program.
Vermilion went 3-4 last fall but the program will count an assortment of new faces this year.
One returning player expected to contribute is Cedrick Jackson, an offensive lineman from Las Vegas.
But the Ironhawks will predominantly rely on new faces this fall.
In a league preview, Cook identified these players as among the top incoming talent:
• Johnathan Cribbs, QB, Chicago, IL;
• Hiram Hendri Jr., DB, Hawaii;
• Tucker McDonald, DE, Tioga, TX.
The freshman group is the largest incoming selection of players in recent Vermilion football history.
Thursday’s game with Rochester, which is led by former Vermilion player and head coach Terrence Isaac, kicks off a six-game regular season slate.
Vermilion isn’t home until Sept. 27 when it has a Parents’ Weekend clash with M State-Fergus Falls.
Home dates with Minnesota West (Oct. 11) and Central Lakes (Oct. 18) are also on the docket at Ely School Stadium.
