HUGHES SPRINGS, Texas - Hughes Springs has jumped out to a clean start.
The Mustangs (2-0) are coming off a 30-8 victory over Arp and defeated Hamshire-Fannett, 14-7, in their season opener. Despite the successful start, Hughes Springs' head coach Chris Edwards looks for the team to improve.
"We are meeting expectations, but our goal is to exceed expectations," Edwards said. "I think we should be better than we have shown up until this point. We have made some mental mistakes that I don't think we should be making. We still have to put it all together.
"It's always a good feeling when we win, but we didn't expect anything less. It is a great feeling to not be below expectations. It's hard with young kids, but we try not to think about being 2-0. We just need to focus on the next game."
The Mustangs are an experienced team that returned many starters. The goal for Hughes Springs is to win the district championship.
"We are excited about the wins, the kids are playing hard, things are going well, and we hope to continue to improve. I am not taking anything away from our 30-8 victory, but I feel like we could have played a little bit better - especially in the third quarter."
Senior Jace Ratley plays middle linebacker and guard. Ratley has made an early, big impact for the Mustangs.
"Jace is tuned in and has been playing well on both sides of the ball," Edwards said. "Skyler Henderson plays tackle and defensive end. Henderson is playing really well along with Andrew Gaul at free safety. It has been exciting how well he (Gaul) has been playing. If we can get the ones that we know can play up to their level, then we are going to be hard to deal with."
Edwards said that the team has been especially working on adjusting to the defensive fronts on offense. Edwards looks for the squad to adjust quicker.