REDWATER, Texas - A couple of things Redwater would like to focus on this season is to lean on each other and to be accountable for one's actions.
"The goal for the team is that they do what is asked of them every day," Redwater head coach Tommy Graf said. "Accountability is important. Our kids need to be able to count on one another. Also the kids to show up prepared and on time. I think that way we get the best out of our kids, and if we can do the little things then the big picture begins to come into focus."
The Dragons' main mantra is "every day". Among other ideals, every day refers to always having passion as a player and showing up each time.
OFFENSE
Redwater's offense is based out of the Flexbone, and is known as the three-headed monster. Teams have to try and stop the quarterback, the fullback and both halfbacks. It is a run-heavy offense that is like a combination of the Wing-T with the ability to run double and triple options out of it.
Senior quarterback Peyton Davis (6-2, 220) returns from last season. Davis is one of the main leaders on offense and on defense.
"Peyton has been looking really good," Graf said. "His improvement physically and ability to run the offense looks really good."
Senior Esthon Minter (5-8, 185) anchors the offensive line. Joining Minter on the line are fellow seniors tight end Eathon Knight (5-7, 185) and right guard Carlos Rojas, right guard. James Stacy may earn the starting job at center. Cole Turner will also get some time at tight end.
Competing for starting jobs on the offensive line are junior Peyton Waldrop, Lathan Morgan and senior Skeet Roberts. Korbin Singletary is the backup quarterback.
John Collier, David McKeever and Jose Martinez are expected to get playing time at fullback. Logan McLeod, Malcolm Brown and Kaleb Narens will share time at running back. Cade Clinton will start at receiver and will be the main receiver.
Singletary will be Redwater's kicker.
DEFENSE
Redwater runs a 4-3 defense.
Rojas, Stacy, Tarik Hussein and Juwad Hussein will see time at tackle. Many players are competing for the starting defensie end positions including Turner, Andrew White, Waldrop, and Colby Wooten.
Roberts will start at strong side linebacker. Morgan and Minter play a lot of middle inside linebacker. McKeever and Martinez will see time at weak side linebacker. Davis will get playing time at linebacker. Others competing for linebacking spots are Caden Pipes, Cooper Thompson and Clinton.
McLeod, Cade Bowen, Singletary, Carson Bowman and Austin Kennedy are each battling for spots in the secondary. At safety, Brown returns with experience and Narens will likely start at the other safety.
A DRAGON'S BREATH OF FRESH AIR
"Our work ethic and accountability is great," Graf said. "They put in a lot of work. We are going to focus on the things that we can control. Those things will make us improve. In our case, it is quality over quantity. This group for me so far has been a breath of fresh air. They all have positive attitudes, they are willing, they are working and they are just getting after it."