KL3
08-26-2005, 01:06 PM
From the Bryan-College Station Eagle........
Hornets aim to continue winning ways under new coach
Assistant Dale Williams replaces Cobia for 15th-ranked Caldwell
By TIM SCHNETTLER
Eagle Staff Writer
The Caldwell Hornets had a banner season in 2004. If they can repeat the feat this season it will have to be under the leadership of new head coach Dale Williams.
After leading the Hornets to a share of the District 19-3A crown last season, Rick Cobia departed for the head coaching job in Taylor.
Caldwell didn't go far to find a replacement, turning to assistant coach Williams, who will try to get the Hornets to the playoffs for a third consecutive season.
Williams inherits a team that is long on experience with 13 starters - six on offense, seven on defense - returning off last year's 10-2 squad. All but one of the returning starters are seniors.
Impressed by that experience, Texas Football has the Hornets ranked 15th in Class 3A.
The seven returning starters on defense were part of a unit that was ranked No. 1 in the state, giving up only 10.8 points and 176 yards per game.
Three members of the front four - Josh Eichinger, David Requena and Jose Balleza - are back, along with linebacker Bradley Charanza.
"Jose Balleza is the leader of the defensive line," Williams said, "and Josh Eichinger is a big, physical defensive lineman."
The secondary features three returning starters in cornerbacks Bryson Tucker and Matt Ofczcarzek, and free safety Kevin McManus.
Ofczcarzek had four interceptions, and McManus made 37 tackles during the regular season.
"Ofczcarzek will have to be a leader in the defensive secondary," Williams said.
Offensively, the Hornets have to replace all-state running back Kendrick Pittman, who rushed for almost 2,000 yards last season.
The Hornets will look to McManus, who had 271 yards and five touchdowns last season, and Danny Deere to shoulder the load. Deere was a defensive standout last season.
"He provides great leadership," Williams said of McManus, who has been clocked at 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Justin Scott, an all-district running back, will line up at wingback. He will also play linebacker.
Several other Hornets will play on both sides of the ball, including Charanza (tight end), Tucker (quarterback), Barrera (left guard) and Ofczcarzek (split end).
Tucker will take over at quarterback for Chris Sleeth, who has shifted over to defense to help round out the secondary.
Barrera, along with Robert Polasek at left tackle, will give the Hornets a solid nucleus up front.
"Barrera will anchor our offensive line," Williams said of the three-year letterman. "He is a leader on the offensive and defensive line."
The Hornets open the season on Friday against Bellville and follow with nondistrict games against Leon and at Hearne. Caldwell will start 19-3A play on Sept. 23 at La Grange.
Williams picks Giddings to be on top of 19-3A, followed by the Hornets, Cameron, Hutto, Rockdale, Manor, La Grange and Smithville.
"Giddings has size and speed," he said. "Cameron has athletes and Hutto has size and speed. We must stay healthy."
Hornets aim to continue winning ways under new coach
Assistant Dale Williams replaces Cobia for 15th-ranked Caldwell
By TIM SCHNETTLER
Eagle Staff Writer
The Caldwell Hornets had a banner season in 2004. If they can repeat the feat this season it will have to be under the leadership of new head coach Dale Williams.
After leading the Hornets to a share of the District 19-3A crown last season, Rick Cobia departed for the head coaching job in Taylor.
Caldwell didn't go far to find a replacement, turning to assistant coach Williams, who will try to get the Hornets to the playoffs for a third consecutive season.
Williams inherits a team that is long on experience with 13 starters - six on offense, seven on defense - returning off last year's 10-2 squad. All but one of the returning starters are seniors.
Impressed by that experience, Texas Football has the Hornets ranked 15th in Class 3A.
The seven returning starters on defense were part of a unit that was ranked No. 1 in the state, giving up only 10.8 points and 176 yards per game.
Three members of the front four - Josh Eichinger, David Requena and Jose Balleza - are back, along with linebacker Bradley Charanza.
"Jose Balleza is the leader of the defensive line," Williams said, "and Josh Eichinger is a big, physical defensive lineman."
The secondary features three returning starters in cornerbacks Bryson Tucker and Matt Ofczcarzek, and free safety Kevin McManus.
Ofczcarzek had four interceptions, and McManus made 37 tackles during the regular season.
"Ofczcarzek will have to be a leader in the defensive secondary," Williams said.
Offensively, the Hornets have to replace all-state running back Kendrick Pittman, who rushed for almost 2,000 yards last season.
The Hornets will look to McManus, who had 271 yards and five touchdowns last season, and Danny Deere to shoulder the load. Deere was a defensive standout last season.
"He provides great leadership," Williams said of McManus, who has been clocked at 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Justin Scott, an all-district running back, will line up at wingback. He will also play linebacker.
Several other Hornets will play on both sides of the ball, including Charanza (tight end), Tucker (quarterback), Barrera (left guard) and Ofczcarzek (split end).
Tucker will take over at quarterback for Chris Sleeth, who has shifted over to defense to help round out the secondary.
Barrera, along with Robert Polasek at left tackle, will give the Hornets a solid nucleus up front.
"Barrera will anchor our offensive line," Williams said of the three-year letterman. "He is a leader on the offensive and defensive line."
The Hornets open the season on Friday against Bellville and follow with nondistrict games against Leon and at Hearne. Caldwell will start 19-3A play on Sept. 23 at La Grange.
Williams picks Giddings to be on top of 19-3A, followed by the Hornets, Cameron, Hutto, Rockdale, Manor, La Grange and Smithville.
"Giddings has size and speed," he said. "Cameron has athletes and Hutto has size and speed. We must stay healthy."