The Audible | Hughes Springs to do its best while ignoring any impeding conditions

HUGHES SPRINGS, Texas - No matter the situations or circumstances, Hughes Springs is going to go out and compete.

"We have a good chance to win district," Mustangs' head coach Chris Edwards said. "We are just going to get out there and play. I think we have a chance to make some noise in the playoffs if some things will go our way. I don't know how far we will go, but we will have a pretty darn good chance.

"If we can develop a secondary and an offensive line, then I think we'll be pretty good. We have some good players to put in those positions. They just don't have much experience."

Hughes Springs' focus remains on individual performance as opposed to how many players are out due to injury, weather conditions or any other subnormal circumstances. The team looks to take all adversity in stride.

 

OFFENSE

The Mustangs run a multiple Slot-T offense.

Senior Trayvon Kennedy (6-3, 235) returns as fullback and is a cornerstone of the team. Kennedy amassed 1,767 yards of rushing last season to go with 26 touchdowns.

"Trayvon is one of the leaders of our team and is a bruiser," Edwards said. "He is not going to try to run around anyone. If he doesn't see a hole to run through then he will make one."

Senior Tyson Daigle (6-0, 185) is the starting quarterback. Dagile is 2-0 as a quarterback in his career with wins over Atlanta and Jefferson last season.

"Tyson is savvy and poised," Edwards said. "He shows up every day and does what is asked. He is always in a good mood and stays hooked up."

Tanner Byrd (5-11, 200) is the third leader of the team. Byrd is a senior center who has a complete grasp on the technical part of his job on the offensive line.

Junior Patrick Boyd (6-2, 215) returns to start at tight end, and fellow junior Mikey Lanier (5-11, 245) is back at tackle. Lanier makes the move from left tackle to right tackle.

"Tanner doesn't have a lot of size, but he is super smart," Edwards said. "He knows the offense, knows who to block and helps keeps everything straight. He comes to practice every day with a good attitude.

"Patrick has good size, speed and his motors runs all of the time."

Juniors Texan Lancaster (5-9, 190) and Jake Murray (5-11, 180) are the new guards. Senior Caden Edwards (6-0, 185) makes the move from tight end to left tackle. Caden Edwards is back after missing last season due to injury. Many sophomores are competing for spots on the offensive line.

Trenton Bolden (5-8, 160), a junior, is a starting tailback/receiver. Expected to contribute at the halfback position are sophomores Cole Edwards (5-9, 190) and Stone Sampson (5-9, 155).

 

DEFENSE

The Mustangs run a multiple 4-3 defense.

"We have a chance to have one of the best defensive lines that we've had since I have been here," Coach Edwards said.

Kennedy and Boyd are a force as defensive ends. Sophomore Trevor Bolden (6-1, 220) and Lanier will each anchor the line at defensive tackle. Bolden played varsity as a freshman and has a lot of game experience.

Daigle makes the move from outside linebacker to free safety. Cole Edwards, Lancaster and Sampson will rotate at inside linebacker. Bolden and Murray play outside linebacker.

Sophomore Ty Moss (5-7, 140) is expected to start at cornerback. The other corner position is unfilled and players will compete for the starting role.

Daigle or Boyd will handle the punting. Coach Edwards is still searching for a place kicker and has no hopefuls to name.

"The team's work ethic is fantastic," Coach Edwards said. "The locker room vibe is great. During summer workouts, we had good participation. The players' attitudes are fantastic. I have a good group.

"I enjoy getting back into a family atmosphere. We celebrate the wins and pick ourselves up after losses. Those Friday night lights come on and it never gets old."

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