The Audible | Hooks looking to meet all goals with a mindset of 'swarm'

HOOKS, Texas - The goals on the gridiron for Hooks are clear.

Hooks' head coach Chris Birdwell has three main goals in mind: Have a winning record, win the district title and earn a playoff berth. The Hornets have a mantra - swarm.

"Swarm has a lot of different meanings," Birdwell said. "Swarm is about our football family, and it also means working together. We break out of huddles on the word 'swarm.' I know all of the things that I would do for my family.

"When the players start feeling like they are each other's family and brothers, then it helps them to play harder and work harder when they really love one another. When there is pain or tiredness, they can look to one another for strength."

 

OFFENSE

Hooks will run a spread offense.

Running back Davarious Clark, who totaled over 1,400 yards a season ago, is back to tote the rock for the Hornets. Clark is one of the Hornets' leaders and will get the majority of the carries this season.

"Davarious is a good kid and leads by his example," Birdwell said. "He has an excellent work ethic. Davrious is really fast, powerful and quick. He is a really good back and has great vision."

Blocking for Clark at fullback and getting some carries is Kylie Bagby.

Benji Johnson makes the move from receiver to quarterback. Anchoring the line in front of Johnson is lineman Dawson Adams, who returns from last season. Adams is the only returning offensive lineman.

"Benji is a good athlete and throws the ball really well," Birdwell said. "He also runs really well, so teams will have to respect our backfield. The biggest thing for us is that we had four offensive linemen graduate. If we can piece together a good offensive line, then we feel like we have a chance to be pretty good offensively. We have some good young receivers coming up."

Some players competing for spots on the offensive line that have stood out to Birdwell are Xavier Huey, a junior, and Jaiden Baird. Returning from last year are tight ends Tra Jones and TJ Rigsby.

"Tra and TJ will probably rotate this year as they did last season," Birdwell said. "Tra started on offense last season, while TJ started on defense."

Sophomore standout Logan Davis returns at receiver. David Johnson is expected to make big contributions as receiver.

 

DEFENSE

The Hornets run a 4-3 defense.

Bagby and Rigsby are the leaders of the defense. Rigsby is a 3-year starter at outside linebacker, while Bagby will be the middle linebacker. Cutter Smith will likely start in the third linebacking position.

Huey, who was the district Newcomer of the Year last season, returns at defensive end. Baird will most likely start at defensive end. Adams will start at tackle, and many other players will rotate at the other tackle position.

David Johnson, a junior, will make the start at cornerback. The other corner spot is between Matthew Hayes, a sophomore, and Keylan Estell. Clark and Benji Johnson will play at safety.

Hayes returns from last season as the place kicker. The number one candidate for punter so far is David Johnson.

 

APPRECIATING WHAT HE HAS, LOOKING FOR HIS NEEDS

"Our team speed and athleticism are our biggest strengths," Birdwell said. "We have a lot of fast and explosive players. Our biggest challenge is filling the offensive line. We had four seniors last year who were all really good players. Those four players were also the leaders of our team and were a big reason for our success last year.

"I enjoy getting the kids back and just getting to be around them. We try to affect their lives and make them into better young men."

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