MARBLE FALLS By Jake Herman
Coach Brian Herman enters his 3rd season as the head coach at Marble Falls. Last season, the Mustangs finished with a 7-3 record. In every facet, they were one of the most improved teams in the area. Marble Falls will return 8 starters in their slot T offense. Sr. 1st team alldistrict QB Jake Becker will drive the offense with both his feet and his arm. Sr. 1st team all-district RB Robert Adame is an explosive playmaker out of the backfield who averages more than 7 yards per carry. As is the case with a run-heavy offense, Coach Herman says that the offensive line is the heart of the team. Sr. 1st team all-district OL Hudson McBryde is among that unit’s standouts and chief motivators. They’ll also rely on a pair of 2nd team all-district linemen in Matias Fonseca and Geraldo Hernandez. The Mustangs retain 6 defensive starters. Their secondary figures to be one of the district’s best, led by Sr. 1st team all-district defensive backs Ryan Minor and Chris Whitecotton. 2nd team all-district DB Tim Vidal will also contribute. Sr. LB David Rodgers, who Coach Herman says is a “relentless playmaker,” will serve as a defensive leader in the middle. The guys up front will be young but look out for Jr. DL Devin Trejo and So. DL Xavier Lopez to emerge as the season progresses.
TRAVIS
By Ross Fisher Coach Joe Frank Martinez heads into his 8th season as the head coach at Travis, where he has been a part of the team’s staff for 18 years. The Rebels finished 1-6 last season, picking up a road win at Navarro before losing an overtime thriller to Northeast at House Park. They’ll return 6 starters on each side of the ball, which Coach Martinez told IHSFAN he’s looking forward to. QB Joel Gonzales will return for his senior season under center on an offense that will look to use the playmaking ability of Sr. ATH Evontey Jackson. Sr. OL 2nd team all-district Fernando Abella leads a veteran offensive line that Coach Martinez expects to be among the team’s strengths. Sr. 2nd team all-district LB Leon Ekanga will take a leadership role on a defensive unit that should improve in 2021. Sr. 2nd team all-district DL Francisco Cazares will make an impact in the trenches while Sr. DB Daniel Vasquez is a key cog in the secondary.
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