Hornets set goals, will focus on the ‘little things’
HOOKS, Texas—Hooks comes into the new season with three distinct goals: win the first game; have a winning record; and become district champions.
“We are concentrating on getting the little things right,” Hornet head coach Chris Birdwell said. “Our saying is, ‘get tough’. We want to be hard-nosed and to do all of the little things right, and then the rest will take care of itself.”
Coach Birdwell was satisfied with last year’s performance. Hooks lost Division I commit quarterback, senior Jordan Johnson, to a leg injury and played the season with a less experienced quarterback in Connor Price.
The Hornets defeated Paul Pewitt, Daingerfield and won a playoff game last season. Hooks lost on of its best playmakers in University of Texas commit Montrell Estell. The Hornets are also without two of their 4-year starters at linebacker.
“We have a lot of kids dressing out to help fill in some of our missing spots,” Birdwell said. “We are trying to get more kids going one way as possible.”
Hooks runs a multiple-look, spread offense.
Price (6-0, 175) returns for his junior season and will compete with sophomore Mason Vasquez (5-11, 180) for the starting quarterback position.
“We believe that competition breeds success,” Birdwell said. “Connor is a very smart kid and knows where everyone is supposed to be. He throws the ball well and makes good decisions.
“Mason is more of a runner and throws the ball well. They are both good players, and I can see where both of them will get playing time. They are a lot alike.”
Getting many of the carries this season is senior running back Phillip Dickerson. Dickerson (5-8, 160) amassed 800 yards on the ground in a 3-back rotation last year.
“Phillip is quick, fast, keeps his shoulders square and has great vision,” Birdwell said.
“He fits in well to what we are trying to do.”
Senior Necoma Sanders will see a lot of playing time at running back as well.
“Necoma is a bigger, stronger kid and is more of a downhill runner-type guy,” Birdwell
said. “He will come in when there is a short yardage situation, and he’ll be able to pick it up.”
The Hornets’ top receiver coming back is sophomore Marquiz Estell. Estell started both ways last season as a freshman, has really good hands, and blazing speed.
Other receivers expected to help are all juniors—Logan Murray, Carter Duncan and Slate Ruth.
“If we can get them the ball in space, they will have a chance to make big plays,” Birdwell said. “They are fast, quick, and can catch.”
Duncan, Murray, and Estell were on Hooks’ relay team that went to the state track competition in Austin last season.
Senior linemen Bryce Baird (6-6, 250) and Alec Smith (6-1, 240) anchor the offensive line. Baird is the center and Smith plays guard.
“We have some young guys playing on the offensive line, but we feel like all they need is experience,” Birdwell said.
Other returning starters on offense include junior guard Victor Hernandez (5-10, 205) and senior tight end Phillip Moore (5-10, 185).
The Hornets run a 4-3 defense. Smith, who also plays guard, is a standout at a defensive end. He is the top defensive line tackler from last season.
Both of Hooks’ cornerbacks return in juniors Scott Satterfield and Shamar Jefferson. Estell keeps the opposition’s offense honest at safety.
The coaching staff is looking at Coltin Mills or Vasquez to step in and fill the two vacant linebacker positions that were lost to graduation. The biggest challenge on defense, Birdwell said, is to fill those empty spots after loosing two, 4-year starters.
Other returning defensive starters include linebacker Dickerson, defensive end Tyrek Kitchen, and linebacker Tavion Rigsby.
“The players are working well together,” Birdwell said. “More players will have to take more roles in order for us to be successful, and they are excited about that.
“I look forward to Friday night. I enjoy the games and the chess matches with opposing coaches and teams. Friday night is what it’s all about.”