The Skinny
Coach Troy Hoff led the Eastside Eagles to their best season in school history in 2018. The Eagles won 12 consecutive games before being upended in the quarterfinals by eventual state champion, Blessed Trinity. While that success might be tough to duplicate, we asked Coach Hoff what his biggest challenge is in 2019.
“Developing younger, inexperienced players,” he said.
Hoff added, “We have a lot of guys that will be playing under the Friday night lights for the first time. Our challenge will be to continue to improve our level of play throughout the season.”
While there are several players that will be playing in big spots for the first time, the Eagles will return starting quarterback Noah Cook. Cook, an All-Region selection in 2018 passed for 1,845 yards, 25-TDs and just 3-INTs.
Colby Shivers is the team’s leading returning receiver, as he caught 20 balls for 363 yards and 4-TDs. Shivers was also an All-Region selection. Bryant Byrd (All-Region) and Pierce Downs will anchor the offensive line.
Linebacker Devin Brown is the Eagles leading returning tackler from a year ago. Last season he was in on 68 tackles. Senior Mark Jackson will anchor the defensive line while All-Region corner Jeff Haynes will patrol the secondary.
On Special Teams, Ezra king will take over the kicking duties. Last season he booted a team best 45 yard field goal and was 10 of 12 in extra points while backing up now graduated Kade Mote.
What games are circled on the Eagles schedule?
“All of them!” Hoff Said.
He continued, “I know it sounds cliché, but we take them one at a time. We open region play September 20, so that is a very significant game.”
So, how will the Eagles define success this season?
Coach Hoff said, “It is critical that we improve from week to week. This is especially important for this year’s team with so many players that will be on the field in significant roles for the first time.”
