DAINGERFIELD, Texas-Daingerfield puts itself in contention for district title every year.
The Tigers plan to carry on the rich tradition of football in the 2016 season with new coaches and a new system.
First-year head coach Mike Waldie said that his team has six weeks to become the best football team that it can be.
"We're taking a realistic approach to the first phase of our season," Waldie said. "We've got to get everything installed in a proper manner-build relationships in order to be the best we can become by Game 1."
Goal two for the Tigers is to make the playoffs, and goal three is to stay healthy and come together to make some noise in Class 3A football.
Waldie said he is going to run a multiple 2-back, gun offense.
"We want to run the ball effectively, but we want to run it as fast as we can and in as many formations as we can," the coach said.
Five players are competing for quarterback, and the Tigers do not have a player who has taken at least one snap as a varsity quarterback.
Running backs senior Markevian Grant (5-11, 190), junior Chris Castleberry (5-9, 190) and junior DK Lewis (5-10, 210) are expected to contribute behind an experienced offensive line. The Tigers emphasize defense and each of the three running backs play linebacker.
Grant had a knee injury last season and is back healthy. Castleberry was named Newcomer of the Year in the district.
QUICK FACTS
SCHOOL: Daingerfield 2015 RECORD: 5-7 HEAD COACH: Mike Waldie YEARS AT SCHOOL: First COACHING STAFF: Mike Waldie (HC), Davin Nelson (DC), Jordan Wood (OC), Bradley Gandy (LB), Cedric Standard (DL), Ben Ramirez (OLB), Kary Sears (DB), Brad Moughon (QB), Hunter Henzler (WR) LETTERMEN LOST/BACK: 14/11 STARTERS BACK: offense 4, defense 4 PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB/LB Markevian Grant, sr., RB/LB Chris Castleberry, jr., WR/DB Cedric Arthur, sr., OL Dalton Morgan, sr. TOP NEWCOMERS:WR/DB Reggie Jeter, jr.; WR/DB Trodarius Lynn, jr.; QB Jakauri Woods, soph.; QB Timmyon Broner, jr.; WR/DB DK Lewis, jr.; RB/LB Zachery Gilmore, soph.Cedric Arthur (5-10, 165), who runs a 4.5 second 40-yard dash, is Daingerfield's No. 1 receiver and will play some cornerback and free safety.
"Arthur is a special individual," Waldie said. "He is the fastest kid that I have ever coached in person; he can absolutely fly. He's a dynamic player."
The Tiger coach said that the offensive line will be most important factor in the success of the team's offense. With an inexperienced quarterback, a good offensive line, good receivers and good running backs can help compensate, Waldie said.
Senior Dalton Morgan (5-10, 240) anchors the line at left guard and was a first-team all-district selection last year.
"Morgan is our most experienced player," Waldie said. "He's that kid that you can build your team around and is very smart. Morgan is a team leader and is just a great, great kid."
Returning starters on the offensive line include senior Jordan Williams (6-0, 315) and junior AJ Carroll (6-2, 270).
Waldie said that what the team does on offense is not hard, and the bottom line is communicating the new language with one another. Communication will be one key to Daingerfield's success offensively, and the way to improve is through reps over time.
The Tigers run a 3-4 defense, which focuses on speed and being able to tackle. Waldie develops his depth chart on defense before he gets to the offense.
Senior strong safety Keiston Rushing (5-10, 175), who ran a leg of the 4x100 relay team that competed at state, is a leader on defense.
"Rushing is the guy that makes our defense go," Waldie said. "He's a really good football player and sets everything for us. Rushing is a great tackler, is very aggressive, and is fast."
Another anchor in the secondary and helping to lead is senior safety Arthur. Meanwhile Grant, Castleberry, and Lewis will rotate at inside linebacker.
Cody Davis (6-3, 240), a senior who is being heavily recruited, plays on the defensive line.
"Davis is super athletic, super big and has the chance to be really dominant," the Daingerfield coach said. Davis is a returning first-team all-district selection and had nine sacks as a junior.
The biggest obstacle for the Tigers defensively is becoming comfortable with one another under the new system and new coaches. Waldie said as long as they can play fast, they will be find on defense.
The players are jelling well together, Waldie said.
"We have a long way to go, but I have been pleasantly surprised with how quick things are coming together," Daingerfield's head coach said. "Everyone we play has depth and numbers on us. We need to just find out this month who we are, and that will help us out down the road."
Waldie said he is looking forward to feeling the atmosphere of the home crowd this season and is honored to be the head coach of such a traditionally good football team.