GRIDIRON GLANCE ’21: Early Longhorns

August 20, 2021 at 7:00 am Derrick Stuckly

EARLY – Coming off their first playoff trip since 2008, the Early Longhorns have set even higher goals heading into the 2021 football campaign, the second under head coach Daniel Price.

“The expectation is to make the playoffs again and the goal is to win a gold football,” said Price, whose team posted a 5-6 record competing in District 3-3A Division I a year ago. “In order to do that we’re going to have to play well and we like where we’re at right now, so far it’s been a good start. We know we’re in a tough district, we know we’re going to have to play well to get out. But expectations for this group are high.”

The Longhorns will be battling with Wall, Clyde, Breckenridge and San Angelo TLCA for playoff spots in 3-3A Division I, which also houses reigning state champion Jim Ned.

“It’s Jim Ned and then everybody else if I’m being honest,” Price said. “Jim Ned is the defending state champion who brought back quite a few players off that team. After that, I think it’s pretty even so we’re going to have to play well against Breckenridge, Clyde, Wall and TLCA to give ourselves a chance. I think we’re a playoff team, but to do that we’ll definitely have our work cut out for us.”

Early brings back 17 of 26 lettermen, including eight starters on each side of the ball, which is among the greatest reasons for Price’s lofty expectations.

“Our biggest strength is experience,” Price said. “We’re bringing back a lot of guys off that team from last year. We can hang our hat on knowing we have guys that have played in games and won big games and things like that last year.”

Among the key returnees for the Longhorns are quarterback Jaxyn Price (1,141 passing yards, 9 TDs; 273 rushing yards, 4 TDs), running back Tre Beam (504 rushing yards, 7 TDs; 16-238, 1 TD receiving), receivers John-Stewart Gordon (8-137, 3 TDs) and Jeremy Brown (5-62), linemen Chris Crawford, Bradly Roman, Chris Fernandez, and Casey Moseley, linebackers Caleb McCullough (48 tackles, 1 for loss; 19-153, TD receiving) and Franky Villarreal (42 tackles, 2 for loss, 1 sack), and safety Tucker Hale (42 tackles, 1 for loss, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery). A newcomer to watch is Vic Cooper at receiver.

Other players expected to figure heavily into the mix are WR/DB Rylie Hill (9-112, 2 TDs receiving), RB/LB Kaleb Ozuna, WR/DB Ki Houston, OL/DL Korbin Hall (43 tackles, 5 for loss, 1 sack), WR/DB Jake Simpson, and WR/DL Caydon Laird.

Early averaged 22 points and 282 yards – 166 rushing and 116 passing – in 2020, while allowing 23 points and 279 yards – 164 on the ground and 115 through the air.

Though the Longhorns return the bulk of last year’s roster there have been some coaching changes, with Price taking over the offensive play calling duties. The alteration in the offensive philosophy will be an obstacle the Longhorns must overcome early.

“We’re definitely going to be in the spread a little more consistently than we were last year,” Price said. “We’re going to have a couple of run schemes we’re going to do different than we have in the past. The passing side of things has changed quite a bit. We’ll run a few different routes and route combinations and things we feel as a coaching staff we can be successful with. It’s just getting them to buy in and learn that’s been the challenge.”

The Longhorns will be looking to build momentum early in the season with a pre-district slate that features Bangs, Tolar, Comanche, Merkel and Grape Creek.

“Last season I point to Comanche and that was the big turnaround for us,” Price said. “I’m hoping we don’t have to wait that long this year. To see them start with Bangs and go through the first five games being physical, that’ll help us see our growth. I want to see us being consistent on both sides of the ball, and executing what the call is on both sides is big to see how we progress. As we go we’ll put a little more on offensively and defensively I want to see us tackling and trying to generate turnovers. The first five aren’t easy, but by the time we finish the first five we want to be in a position where we can be successful in district.”

Asked how good the Longhorns could turn out to be in 2021, Price responded, “We’re way ahead of where we were this time last year. They’re still coming together and we’re taking baby steps to build that team, family atmosphere. We’re making that stronger every day and once they realize that and come together and play together as one they’ll realize how good they can be. Coming together is going to be the big thing for this team, getting them to realize that we’re fighting for the same goal and we’re all in this together on the same page.”

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EARLY LONGHORNS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 27 Bangs

Sept. 3 at Tolar

Sept. 10 Comanche

Sept. 17 Merkel (homecoming)

Sept. 24 at Grape Creek

Oct. 1 OPEN

Oct. 8 at Jim Ned*

Oct. 15 Breckenridge*

Oct. 22 at Clyde*

Oct. 29 at San Angelo TLCA*