Things have finally gotten back to normal at Caldwell High School under coach Bobby Jack Goforth’s tenure. He took over a program that was really good but hit hard times fast.
When hired prior to the 2013 season, he became the fourth coach in four years. The Hornets combined to go 2-17 over the 2011-12 seasons after four straight winning campaigns.
Goforth’s first season at Caldwell was a 1-8 effort, but it was as much rebuilding pride and character as getting the X’s and O’s down. The Hornets made the playoffs in 2014 (6-5) and 2015 (8-5, regional appearance). Caldwell lost three non-district games in 2016 and went 3-2 in District 13-4A DII to grab the third-place spot from district for the 4A Division II playoffs.
Although Caldwell scored nearly 60 points in the bi-district round to Waco Robinson, they lost to the Rockets, 77-59, in a shootout.
Key Losses
WR/DB Devin Morris, DT Keanu Robinson, LB William Deleon
Morris led the team in receiving with 29 catches for 580 yards, and he grabbed four touchdowns, which was second on the team. A.J. Zboril had 388 yards and three receiving touchdowns. Robinson and Deleon were the leaders of the Hornets defense
Key Returners
WR Domonique Chambers, QB Will Faust
Domonique Chambers had 179 rushes for 1,462 yards (132.9/game) with 15 touchdowns to lead the district. He added a team-high six receiving touchdowns. He was named first-team all-district running back and first-team return specialist.
Will Faust threw for a little more than 1,000 yards with eight touchdown passes in the run-heavy offense.
The Verdict
Caldwell plays in a fairly tough district against long-time foes, but coach Goforth has the Hornets competing year-in and year-out.
The Hornets have experience returning in the offensive backfield with Chambers and Faust wearing the orange and white. The defense will need to learn quick with lots of new faces, but the Hornets should post gobs of points.
Caldwell travels to Teague to kick off the season Sept. 1 and gets a really good 3A team in Franklin to open home action. They’ll have trips to Madisonville and Mexia with a home game against Taylor sandwiched in between.
District starts Oct. 13 against Columbus before a trip to Giddings. After getting Smithville and Gonzales at Hornet Stadium, Caldwell ends the regular season on the road at La Grange.
Goforth should have this offense in mid-season form by the first scrimmage, and the Hornets could be looking at a fourth-straight playoff appearance.
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