District 12 5A D1

With fourteen returning starters (8 on offense and 6 on defense), the anticipation for vast improvement from last year’s 3-7 record is much expected. According to Head Coach Les Goad, the reason is quite obvious and simple. “The Hawks were very young in 2021.” Sometimes, youth can be a blessing in disguise; it usually shows up the following season. Not to be outworked under Goad, “With experience and a strong off-season, the Hawks should be improved.” By most accounts, 6’3”, 195-pound senior All-District RB/S Chris Bruce will be one of the more dominant two-way players in Central Texas next season. Alongside Bruce on the offensive side of the ball, deep threat and 2nd Team All-District Sr. Kyree Payton should continue to be a concern for opponents while fellow Sr. WR Zach Obara continues to be a playmaker for QB Tyler McInvale. Junior standout and 2nd Team All-District Dylan Clifton, 6’3”, 290 lb. and Sr. David Szoboszlay will take care of business as returning starters up front.

Defensively, we should start with Bruce, where he will again patrol the secondary and lead the Hawks’ defense. Seniors Jaime Hernandez and Collin Smith will continue to play a big role in the secondary. Sr. Michael Bischoff and Jr. Matt Melendez give experience to the inside linebacker corps and will be expected to carry a large load in leading the defensive charge. With only one returner on the defensive line, it is important that they again get solid play out of Sr. Christian Ramirez.

All eyes will be on how much last year’s playing experience pays off in a run to make the playoffs in 2022.

LEHMAN LOBOS

Defense wins championships, they say. Well, for Coach Bruce Salmon, that should be just fine. “We are a young team with tons of potential. It should be an exciting year for the Lobos.” With seven returners on his defense, Salmon hopes the tremendous play of All-District DL Joziah Perez anchors a solid unit. If some of the potential comes through as expected, the Lobos look to improve greatly on last year’s campaign. As young as they were, the Lobos pulled off a big win against McCallum.

Joining OLB/DE Perez on the defense will be LB Peter Cienega, who will be put in a leadership position despite his underclassman status. After a year of experience, expect Jr. Ethan Crum to lead the charge in the secondary.

The Lobos have tons of potential on offense; they also have a few guys who weathered the storm last year and are looking to show out in 2022. Although, on paper, they look to rely on a stout defense, Lehman still brings back six starters on offense. Jr. QB Collin Richardson will take on even more responsibility as the leader of the Lobos offense. Jr. Noah Long seems to be the Swiss army knife for the Lobos because he seems willing and able to play many skill positions. Sr. standout Center Manuel Adame is the anchor needed to get the ball moving on offense.

Because of their youth, it could be an indicator when they open their season against the Lions of Lockhart.