But, 2002 turned out to be a year of adjustment. They were forced to adjust to the loss of Brandon Reese at quarterback and of Zak Larney in the backfield. Coach Fleischer finally settled on Tony Sclimenti who did a very nice job, including breaking off a 70yd touchdown run vs the Lions. Matt Calladine was the horse of the offense. But, they couldnt quite get the offense in gear and struggled all year to score points, and struggled to a 2-3 record, making it to the semifinals of the playoffs, having beat the Lions in the first round, but bowing out to the defending champ Buckeyes 27-0.
But the defense was as strong as the offense was weak.
The first quarter (A-Team) team only allowed one touchdown all season, to the Gators, before the loss to the Buckeyes.
The other adjustment came in the form of the loss of assistant coach Josh Fleischer, the coach's son. He entered Bowling Green University this year. He is a fine coach and the kids all enjoyed playing for him.
Former Hawkeye coach Jim Tellep took over for him. He had coached with the team since it began in 1993 till 1999. He took over coaching the 2nd quarter team (B-Team)and offensive line. He was Josh's coach when they won the championship in 1995. And he was their head coach when they won the championship again in 1998, but he was unable to coach till now because of his job. He was glad to return and Coach Fleischer was glad to have him.
But, his first year back was a rocky one. He too had problems on offense, only scoring one TD all season, and the defense gave up 8. They were a young team that had its share of injuries and quits. And lost its quarterback to academics. He finally settled things down and the young Hawkeyes improved greatly wih Tonys broher Nick at quarterback.
Both coaches felt dissapointed but are very optomistic that with the experience from this year, the young Hawkeyes will be a force to be reckoned with and top choice to dethrone the Buckeyes which, again, went undefeated and unscored on for the 2nd straight year to win its 3d straight championship.
2002 SEASON SCORES
| BUCKEYES | L 0-13 |
| IRISH | L 6-13 |
| GATORS | L 0-12 |
| LIONS | W 12-0 |
| LONGHORNS | W 12-0 |
| BUCKEYES* | 5-0 |
| IRISH | 3-2 |
| GATORS | 3-2 |
| HAWKEYES | 2-3 |
| LIONS | 2-3 |
| LONGHORNS | 0-5 |
The team added some speed Mahmoud Ahmad and Ryan Britton. They combined to score several touchdowns and were instrumental in both Hawkeye wins. Experience in the backfield was an obvious plus. But the offensive line continued to be a problem area.
The defense continued to shine. With the exception of faultering against the Buckeyes, the Hawkeye defense only gave up 3 TDs and pitched 2 shutouts. In fact 2 of the team's losses were in overtime.
The Sclimenti brothers continued thier stellar play. And an improved and quicker Kyle Kulow quarterbacking the 2nd quarter team was a leader on both offense and defense.
There was also a change in the playoff format for 2003. No longer is it a single elimination with the season winner gaining an automatic birth in the championship game. Its now a double elimination tournament with a winner and loser bracket. No other rules changes were added.
The Buckeyes continued thier dominance winning it all for a 4th straight year. Their 4th year in the league and have racked up a record of 30-1. Not a bad percentage. They defeated the Gators 14-6 in a tough dog fight. The Gators put up a valiant effort despite it being their 3d playoff game in 3 days. They lost to the Buckeyes in OT in their 1st playoff game 13-12.
2003 SEASON SCORES
| LONGHORNS | W 19-0 |
| BUCKEYES | L 0-18 |
| IRISH | L 6-12 OT |
| LIONS | W 18-0 |
| GATORS | L 6-13 OT |
| BUCKEYES | 5-0* |
| LIONS | 3-2 |
| IRISH | 3-2 |
| GATORS | 2-3 |
| HAWKEYES | 2-3 |
| LONGHORNS | 0-5 |
HISTORY 3 (2000-01)
HISTORY 2 (1998-99)
HISTORY 1 (1993-97)
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