Port Neches-Groves Indians
Head Coach: Jeff Joseph (3rd season; 28-4 record)
Last Season: 15-1; 7-0 in district (Defeated South Oak Cliff in 5A Division II State Title Game)
PNG Key Players and Storylines
Head coach Jeff Joseph has taken PNG to AT&T Stadium in both seasons he’s been in charge. After coming up short to South Oak Cliff in 2022, the Indians got their revenge last year. They took down the Golden Bears 20-17 for their first state title since 1975.
If they want to get back to Arlington again this season, they’ll likely lean on a strong offensive line that boasts Texas commit Jackson Christian and three-star prospect tackle Aaron Wolford.
That’ll give time for junior quarterback Connor Bailey (1,580 passing yards) to operate. He showed off his sound decision making last year, throwing for 19 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Expect him to turn to senior receiver London Nunley (764 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns) early and often this season. He’s the only one of PNG’s five-leading pass catchers that return from last season. Blair Chatagnier (1,194 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns) should take on the lead back role after being a key part of a one-two punch a year ago.
Conner Bailey DELIVERING DARTS 🎯@JackBox | @uiltexas | @PNGIndians | @LH_Panthers_FB | #TXHSFB | #TXFBDays pic.twitter.com/7Xe2TuAVS2
— BallySportsTXHS (@BallySportsTXHS) December 9, 2023
Linebacker Mason Wuenschel will anchor their defense after earning first team all-district honors last season. He’ll form a strong tandem with Isaac Uriostegui (68 tackles) in the middle of the field. Up front, defensive lineman Jonathan Hernandez will look to be disruptive again after finishing with 54 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss in 2023.
It’s impressive the work that Joseph has done at Port Neches-Groves in his two seasons. And with a number of playmakers back on offense, this squad has what it takes to try and make a run at PNG’s first-ever back-to-back titles this fall.
PNG Indians 2024 Schedule
8/30 at Klein Oak
9/6 at Beaumont United
9/13 vs. La Porte
9/27 vs. Lake Creek
10/4 at Huntsville
10/11 vs. Splendora
10/18 at West Fork
10/25 vs. Nederland
11/1 vs. Montgomery
11/8 at Dayton
