In practice, Hernandez and crew have emphasized more communication and celebration in plays made, as both qualities lacked somewhat last season.
Not only is running to the ball and stopping the run going to be a major attribute to the defense, but hitting someone as hard as they legally can is as well.
Ewell brings that mentality and intensity to the linebacker group, which offers the most experience on the defensive side. Despite winning the district Defensive Newcomer of the Year, Ewell thinks he has plenty of room for growth in 2025. In the efforts to max out physical fitness, Hulett and the staff have assisted Ewell in gaining 35 lbs. in the offseason.
“ We feel confident in our ability to develop kids,” said the head coach, who weighs his players twice a week.“ You can learn a whole lot about a kid through body weight. You can learn about how life is going. Are things good at home? Is a kid in a good place?”
Running it back with a tough non-district schedule featuring Joshua, Kennedale, China Spring and Graham, Hernandez said the Pines have a massive target on their backs coming off a great season, but it won’ t hold them back from doing it again.
Trying to avoid the ebbs and flows of a season that played a factor in the lack of intensity entering the postseason, everyone within the program is prepared to improve upon 2024.
“ Do we have a vision and plan of where we want to be at the end? Absolutely,” said Hulett.“ But if you’ re focused on that, you’ re missing all the steps in between and we don’ t ever get there.”
The expectation for Ewell is undoubtedly another district championship.
“ We should be blowing these kids out every game.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Kaine Hill, DE Robert Lewis, TE / HB Karson Ferguson, OL Aaron Street
MATCHUP TO WATCH: Oct. 31 vs Decatur
AUGUST 2025 | FIRST DOWN 19