22 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2025
New Waverly
As the offense just needs to find a groove with its running backs, the defense is going to be what wins games for the Bulldogs this year. The squad returns seven starters from last year and will enter the third season of Chad Miller running the show.
Hathorn is going to be a key reason this defense makes strides, as he will try and keep the middle of the field locked down. As a junior, Hathorn made 65 tackles and got back into the backfield for 11 sacks last year.
Davis III recorded 80 tackles for the squad and helped hold opponents under 10 points on three occasions last year.
The other problem the Bulldogs will have is at the corner position. Like on the offensive end, they won’ t have the size to compete with some of the taller receivers on other teams, which could create threats all over the field.
With it being the third year with Miller as the coordinator, the system is in place, though, and players are leading things from the field.
“ Some of the guys are stepping up and leading the defense when he isn’ t here,” Schaub said.“ It was nice to see a kid run the defense without a coach there. I think they have responded well and taken leadership roles. I think coach Miller has put them in a role to lead.”
Despite some of the struggles this team has seen in the past, they have remained a playoff team and have kept people on their toes.
In the bi-district round last year,
22 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2025