By Joey Villarreal.
As summer closes and the school year takes off, the football team works daily to prepare to bring an exciting season for the Eagles.
For their first preseason game on Friday, Aug 30th, the coaches and players are determined and optimistic to put on a good game against San Angelo Central after last Saturday’s scrimmage against Wylie.
“Our number one goal every year is to put a consistent product on the grass every week that our fans can be proud of,” head coach and athletic coordinator Mike Fullen said. “This team is going to be different from last year’s team, and the team before them so I’m looking forward to seeing the identity of this team and what it’s going to be.”
The team has been practicing since July after closing out last season with a record of 11-5 wins overall and losing to Aledo 56 -21 during the quarter-finals.
“We’re working hard going to practice every day,” senior Dristan Payne said. “Our mood and energy are high, our bond is high we’re all brothers friends, and we’re ready to have fun.”
The team evolves each season, and the connection is crucial to their success.
“Right now we have a really good bond and I think that’s just going to get better throughout the year,” Fullen said. “The older guys are helping the younger guys adjust to our expectations as a program. “
Fullen said the offensive line is more experienced while the defensive is newer but rich in tradition.
“I wanna get more tackles the last year, improve and just to be a good leader,” Payne said. “Just coming through summer, working out, and being more prepared than what I was last year.”
Senior player Eddie Valero suffered an injury last season during the crosstown showdown against Cooper and said he had concerns for the upcoming season
“Overcoming the fear of getting injured again. It’s just been in the back of my mind since the season started,” Valero said.
With a now-healed ACL, Valero takes to the field to inspire both old and new players.
“It was really hard to bounce back,” Valero said. “I’ve continued to keep my head up and just keep fighting, and to work my way back into it.”
Practicing both before and after school the team works on team cohesion and improvement to win district and excel in playoffs.
“To prepare we are practicing, getting close with the team, and going out there every day at practice and trying to get better,” junior Brayden Henry said. “I want to win district and see how far we go in playoffs. It’s a team goal and not something I’m trying to go about myself.”
The team is excited and ready to play, with new players adjusting to the team dynamics.
“I want to be able to throw more and play quarterback,” Henry said. “Throwing the ball, distributing, and just doing my job.”
The first district game is against Permian on September 12th.
“We love all, we love the spirit here,” Fullen said. “We’re looking forward to getting on the field and giving everybody 48 minutes of hell and letting everyone know whose house it is.”
