Building the ultimate team
The standard remains the same for the Brock Eagles. Four straight state tournament appearances since the arrival of head coach Billy Mathis in 2021 have continuously put a target on the program’ s back, especially with the success in year one of 4A classification.
“ We’ re the game that everybody gets up for,” said Mathis.“ That’ s what we want, what we expect and it’ s just the way it is.”
In 2024, Brock went 13-2 overall, 4-1 in District 3-4A and appeared in the state semifinals. Despite losing in the penultimate round to the eventual state champion Carthage, Mathis considers it an“ amazing season” for how far the team went; however, the Eagles hold themselves to the standard of winning a state title.
In order for Brock to make it over the final hump, Mathis is trying to build the ultimate team this summer. A difference from the past years, Mathis and the players agreed that this season’ s group is closer than ever.
“ This group, from the seniors down, I feel they are from the past, a little bit more connected,” said Mathis.“ I don’ t know if it’ s better, but it’ s different.”
From offensive guard Tobyn Roger and utility Colt Matlock’ s perspective, togetherness was lacking in their freshman year. Now, as seniors, they feel they’ ve done everything possible to surpass the final hurdle.
“ We’ re all best friends with each other,” said Roger.“ We’ ve got really good connections with all the skill kids. We’ re all tugging the rope in the same direction.”
Entering their final seasons, Matlock and Roger believe the Eagles have a different mindset and understand the shoes they have to fill coming off a successful first year in 4A.
28 FIRST DOWN | AUGUST 2025