2020 SETXsports.com Team Previews - TARKINGTON LONGHORNS

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2020 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEWS

TARKINGTON LONGHORNS

2019 Record: 3-6 Overall, 0-4 District

5th Place in District 9-4A-II

 

2019 was a season of struggle for the Tarkington Longhorns as the 'Horns went 3-6 in 2019 and failed to gain a single district win.  However, 2020 holds a bit of optimism on a couple of levels. First, an experienced offense (8 starters return) looks to pace the Longhorn attack.  Second, Zach Bass' Longhorns will now compete in Class 3A, Division I although in a pretty stout 10-3A-I.  Hopefully, playing in the same size pond as the school around them will enhance the 'Horns chances of advancing to the playoffs.

 

COACHES

Head Coach: Zach Bass

Assistant Coaches: Roy Gatlin (Defensive Coordinator/Secondary), Matt Calvert (Co-Offensive  Coordinator/Wide Receivers), Jason Wilson (Co-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line), Joe Maines (Special Teams Coordinator/Inside Linebackers), Cliff Tooley (Running Backs), Ken McCarter (Tight Ends), Wade Taylor (Secondary), Dillon Croley (Defensive Line), Bryce Morgan (Assistant), Kyle Austin (Assistant), Connor Hamilton (Assistant)

 

OFFENSE

Eight starters return to the Longhorn multiple 2-Back offense.  Senior quarterback Trae Deck (2nd team all-district, 2000 yd/20 TD in 20 TD) returns to lead the Longhorn offense.  Returning to join him in the backfield will be senior running back Bradley Sanders with junior running back Drendahl Kanada (who spent time at fullback) also seeing some carries.  Senior wide out Nate Carley (2nd team all-district, 20 catches, 200 yd) will lead a Tarkington receiver corp which will also include seniors Garrett Lott, Chase Anderson and junior Gavin Edwards as well as senior tight end Kevin McCarther (2nd team all-district H back in 2019).  The offensive line returns a wealth of experience as seniors Blake James, Austin Couhig and Tyler Bennett, as well as junior Gavin Edward, all come back.

 

DEFENSE

Four starters return to the Tarkington defense in 2020.  All-district lineman Travonte Bogany will lead things  up front.  Sanders (2nd team all-district defense utility player) returns to lead a young linebacker group which will include sophomores Trace Shirley, and Bryant Ma'A'laelu.  Senior defensive backs Andrew King and Rakan DeVito will lead a secondary which will include sophomore Ian Herndon.

 

SPECIAL TEAMS

Tarkington will rely on the leg of junior place kicker Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez (10/10 on place kicks in 2019) to provide a scoring boost.  Deck will do the punting while King will be the primary kick returner.

 

SCHEDULE

Aug. 28 - at Shepherd, 7:30 pm

Sept. 4 - Bridge City, 7:30 pm

Sept. 12 - Trinity (Randall Reed), 7:00 pm

Sept. 18 - at Coldspring-Oakhurst, 7:30 pm

Sept. 25 - Anahuac, 7:30 pm*

Oct. 2 - at Buna, 7:30 pm*

Oct. 9 - Kirbyville, 7:30 pm*

Oct. 16 - at Woodville, 7:30 pm*

Oct. 23 - OPEN

Oct. 30 - Hardin, 7:30 pm*

Nov. 6 - at East Chambers, 7:30 pm*

 

STADIUM INFORMATION

Name: A.L. Nelson Stadium

Address: 2770 FM 163, Cleveland, TX

Capacity: 6000

Turf: Grass

 

Helmet Image Courtesy of texasfootball.com:

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Stadium Information Courtesy of TexasBob.com Texas Stadium Database:

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