HUGHES SPRINGS, Texas – Senior Trayvon Kennedy (6-4, 230) is one big reason Hughes Springs figures to be one of the best 3A Division II football teams in 2020.
Kennedy will likely not get much rest playing fullback and defensive end for the Mustangs. He was a nightmare for Hughes Springs’ opponents last season, rushing for 1,856 yards and 24 touchdowns in 12 games. Kennedy may even be better on defense, where head coach Chris Edwards believes he will play in college.
“Up to this point Trayvon is practicing like he’s one of the best players in Texas,” said Edwards. “He could be a DI player if he can find the fit. I see him as a defensive end in college because he doesn’ have breakaway speed.”
Mustangs have talent besides Kennedy
Edwards is quick to note that Kennedy isn’t the only outstanding talent on the Mustangs’ 2020 roster.
Quarterback Tyson Daigle is back, and expected to contribute on both sides of the ball. Patrick Boyd will be another two-way performer at tight end and defensive end. Tanner Byrd returns as a three-year starter at center.
A legitimate concern for the Mustangs is the size of their offensive line, which graduated three of the five starters. Kennedy could end up being bigger than his blockers.
“We’re replacing those three linemen lost with smaller players,” said Edwards. “They’re quicker. Byrd is back, and Mikey Lanier has been moved to right tackle after playing left tackle in 2019.”
Offensive line small, but quick
If the season started today Texan Lancaster and Jake Murray would be the guards, with Caden Edwards or Thomas Evans playing the other tackle position.
Like most small 3A schools Hughes Springs will have several players going both ways. Edwards indicated there’s 27 kids on the varsity roster.
“If we stay healthy we’ll have a chance to be dangerous,” said Edwards. “We would like to win district. If we don’t we want in the playoffs so we can beat the team that won.”
District 11-3A Division II will be a competitive league with the Mustangs, Waskom, Elysian Fields, Harleton, New Diana, Ore City and Queen City.
Edwards really likes what he’s seen so far on defense.
“We feel we’re pretty athletic on defense,” he said. “The expectation are high. The pandemic has set different rules that we’re trying to adjust to, and abide to. We’re wearing the face masks, and getting the kids water. It’s a process and we’re working through it. It’s probably making us better coaches.”
The Mustangs have only had one player quarantined so far, and that was Coach Edward’s son.
“He was exposed on the final day of his summer job,” the coach said.
2020 Hughes Springs Schedule
Aug. 28 Arp
Sept. 3 at Harmony
Sept. 11 at Winnsboro
Sept. 18 Tatum
Sept. 25 x-at New Diana
Oct. 2 x-Ore City
Oct. 9 x-at Waskom
Oct. 23 x-Queen City
Oct. 30 x-at Harleton
Nov. 6 x-Elysian Fields
x-Denotes District 11-3A Division II games.