With early morning summer practices and scrimmages behind them, the Lindale High School Eagles are ready to kick off the 2024 football season Thursday night by hosting the Hallsville Bobcats.
Lindale Head Coach Chris Cochran said a shortage of game officials prompted the unusual day for the season opener, which happens to be against his alma mater.
“We were contacted a few weeks ago about rescheduling our opening game and we were glad to do it,’’ Cochran said. “It’s a little more special being against Hallsville.’’
Last season wasn’t kind to the Bobcats, who finished 1-9 overall and 0-6 in District 7-5A, which features the likes of Texas High, Whitehouse and Marshall.
With six offensive and six defensive starters back from last year’s squad, Head Coach Josh Strickland is obviously hoping for more wins, especially in district.
Offensively, quarterback Blanton Hale and running back Ja’Cayden Bolden will seek to improve on the Bobcats’ puny 16 points per game average from a year ago. The offensive line, anchored by big, three-year starter Slayton Donald (6-3, 270 pounds) should open holes for Bolden who posted 256-yard rushing game before going down with a season-ending knee injury.
Defensively, the Bobcats will rely on defensive back Kobe Gaut who accounted for 35 tackles and two interceptions last year. Junior defensive lineman Chris Hutton is expected to contribute as well.
The Eagles, meanwhile, are coming off another playoff season, the seventh consecutive in Cochran’s tenure. They were 5-1 in District 9-4A last year and 7-4 overall.
One of the Eagles’ five wins in district was over Chapel Hill, the No. 1 team in the state.
This year, Cochran and his coaching staff have had to navigate the loss of several quality players to graduation. He is quick to point out, however, this provides opportunities for the incoming starters to take on the responsibility of helping mold another playoff contender.
This journey starts tonight against the Bobcats, and continues with non-district foes Mount Pleasant, Van and Gilmer. The Vandals and Buckeyes will surely test the Eagles’ mettle.
“Naturally, you want your team to win as many games in a season as they can but being prepared for the ‘real’ season is important as well,’’ he said, regarding his scheduling preferences.
As far as the talent available for Cochran and his Eagles this year, there seems to be enough experience on the roster to negotiate the choppy waters of 9-4A.
Yes, the Eagles must settle on a starting quarterback after losing all-district Clint Thurman to graduation and college-bound lineman Casey Poe (University of Alabama) and Christian Pettway (University of North Texas), but Cochran is also aware of other needs.
“Obviously, there’s the glaring hole at quarterback with Clint being gone,’’ Cochran said. “He played with such a big heart and that’s a big time player to replace. But no one is talking about us losing two Division I offensive linemen (Poe and Pettway).’’
Younger players have stepped up in the past, and the head coach believes this could be the case again this season.
Players such as Hudson Legrow (Thurman’s backup in 2023 as well as being a starting safety last season), junior James Weaver and sophomores David Lindig and Jackson Legrow will all get a chance to guide the Eagles’ offense in 2024.
“Each one of these guys can do certain things better than the others, but what we need to see is who can lead our offense down the field and score the football,’’ Cochran said. “The competition between these young men will make each one better.’’
The big bodies responsible for keeping the quarterback upright and opening holes on offense will have game experience to fall back on.
“There are some guys up front that have played quite a bit,’’ said Cochran. “Jake Kirk (senior) and Cameron Griffin (junior) will help us as players and leaders.’’
On the other side of the line, Cochran believes the Eagles will be a load for other club’s offenses.
“We are really excited about our defensive line,’’ he said. “Caleb Walker (junior) was dominate last year and Gunner Johnson took on a lot of double teams last season.’’
Sophomore Cam Beason gained valuable experience last year as a freshman and will be ready to contribute.
“He had a really great offseason and so far he’s had a really great summer,’’ Cochran said of Beason.
Senior defensive lineman Matthew Kenney earned a starting position last year and brings experience to the group as well.
– By Terry Cannon/Editor29