NEW BOSTON, Texas - Playing with "pride" can make all of the difference.
"Our goal this season is to make the playoffs," New Boston head coach Justin Waltz said. "I know that we got placed in a tough district, but our main goal remains the same."
The Lions' team motto is "pride". There are 12 seniors on the team who will provide needed experience in order to try to make a successful season.
"For us, we are going to take pride in what we're doing," Waltz said. "We are going to show up every day and outwork everyone. Pride also extends to our community in getting pride back into this program."
OFFENSE
New Boston runs the Wing-T. Senior quarterback Kyle Atkinson returns as the Lions' signal caller.
Kevon Thompson is back from last season at fullback. Last year, Thompson led the Lions in rushing and was named to the all-district first team.
Angel Recendiz is a 3-year starter and plays at wingback. Caden Glass or Isaac Goldsmith will make the start at running back.
Tre Lewis-Colbert and Malachi Dorsey will start at receiver.
Brian Reid plays tight end and is a 3-year starter, and Willy Henson will also start at tight end.
"One of our strengths on offense is our skill positions," Waltz said. "We are so far ahead now than when we were last year at this point because we have been in this offense for two years. There's not a lot that we have to reteach. We are progressing. We started with the plays we had last year, and we're trying to perfect them."
Dylan Brown will start at quick guard on the offensive line. Players competing for positions on the line include Marquis Frazier, Dawson Parker, Wyatt Allen, Jayden West, Ethan Bobbitt, Trentyn Morris-Hill and Peyton Love.
"We've been shuffling guys around in trying to find our offensive line," Waltz said. "The tight ends are set. Everywhere except for the offensive line is shored up."
DEFENSE
The Lions' defense is based on a 3-3 stack but is multiple.
Atkinson is a 3-year starter and plays safety. Atkinson is one of the team leaders. Recendiz plays at the other safety.
"We can interchange our whole secondary," Waltz said. "All of the guys know how to play each position back there."
Lewis-Colbert, Dorsey, Demetrius McChester, Kaden Hall, Glass and Allen will all get playing time back in the secondary for New Boston.
Glass plays outside linebacker, and Reid starts at linebacker. Thompson and Jeremiah Hardeman are fighting for the starting linebackers spots. Dylan Brown is also competing for playing time along with Henson and Dalton Daniel.
"Our strength on defense is our linebacking corps and our secondary," Watlz said. "Our secondary mostly consist of all returning starters. They are good at reacting without thinking."
GETTING BACK INTO THE GROOVE
There are always positives that a head coach brings with him in the new season.
"I enjoy being around the kids," Waltz said. "The main reason why I coach is to help kids. I want to help them be better men. That, to me, is what it's all about.
"We have leadership now, this is my third year here and we are turning a corner. Guys are stepping up, leading and doing by example. And they are following the right guys. Everyone does what they are asked to do. The work ethic has been great. All of the kids have been working really hard."