6A

Team Preview: V.R. Eaton Eagles

by
Adam Ogburn
July 16

V.R. Eaton Eagles

Head Coach: Ellis Miller (7^th Season)

Last Season: 4-6; 3-4 in district

V.R. Eaton Key Players and Storylines

A three-way tiebreaker denied V.R. Eaton its third-straight postseason appearance a year ago. However, head coach Ellis Miller said his squad fully expects to be a playoff team this season.

With nine starters back on offense and seven returning on defense, the Eagles will have no shortage of talent at their disposal.

Quarterback Noah Lugo (1,269 passing yards and 14 TDs; 800 rushing yards and 13 TDs) should be a sparkplug for the offense after leading them in rushing as well last season. He committed to UTSA in mid-June.

Junior receiver Talon Homes (449 receiving yards and nine touchdowns) should continue to grow his rapport with Lugo this year. Holmes was the district’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year last season. Look for junior Tristan Gable to anchor the offensive line.

On the other side of the ball, Miller said his main concern is the lack of experience returning on the defensive line. But while the Eagles develop in the trenches, they’ll be in good hands in the back end of the defense with safety Aidyn Blair and cornerback Darius Nash. Junior linebacker Joseph Frazier is also poised for a big season after earning second team all-district last season.

Miller said it will be crucial for his Eagles to continue to progress throughout the season. He believes if they can do that and lean on the physicality that he is confident they will possess, then they could push their way into the district title conversation.