Eagles’ stable of backs, depth reasons for optimism

Body

Holliday has long been known to churn out quality running backs. From Collin Leggett in the early 2000s to Brayden Little in the late 2000s to Tyler Cole in the early 2010s to Justin Jones in the late 2010s, the Eagles have long had strong options to give the ball to in the running game.

The Holliday Eagles look to secure double-digit wins for the fourth-straight year under coach Frank Johnson. (Courtesy photo/Jolene Styles)

Foster leaving his mark

Body

Holliday senior linebacker and center Cason Foster lives and breathes football. When he’s not in school or at practice, he’s studying up on the playbook or going over film for that week’s opponent.

Foster knows what it’s like being a little kid looking up to the varsity players on Friday nights. He wants to leave a positive impact on them to continue the tradition and success of the Eagles.

Holliday senior linebacker Cason Foster leads the Eagles’ defense after piling up 100+ tackles each of the last two seasons. (Photo/Will Edwards)

Versatile Rivers making move to front row

Body

When asked one word to describe Holliday’s Skylar Rivers, head coach Wendy Parker had no hesitation.

“She’s versatile. She can play anywhere on the floor. She sees the floor really well and she’s a threat from anywhere on the court.”

Last season, Rivers was forced into the libero role out of necessity. She excelled at the position, helping Holliday to the regional finals with 392 digs and 32 aces to earn first team all-district honors. This year, she’s making a move back to the front row and has surpassed expectations thus far.

Holliday senior Skylar Rivers makes the transition from libero back to the front row for her final campaign with the Lady Eagles. (Photo/Will Edwards)

Trojans trying for another state title

Body

The last time the Windthorst Trojans took the field they were hoisting a state championship trophy above their heads at AT&T Stadium last December.

Several of those key pieces are gone from that title run but Windthorst Head Coach Chris Tackett remains optimistic about what the Trojans have coming back.

The Windthorst Trojans have a number of new faces on both sides of the ball following last year’s state championship run, but the goal of repeating remains the same. (Courtesy photo/Jamie Anderle)

Vieth bouncing back for breakout 2021

Body

Windthorst senior Haven Vieth is a model for perseverance.

The running back/linebacker suffered an elbow injury during Windthorst’s 21-20 win over Archer City on Sept. 11 last season. Four weeks later, he was back in the defensive rotation where he made significant contributions during the Trojans’ state title run.

Windthorst senior running back Haven Vieth is primed for a big season after battling through injuries in 2020. (Photo/Will Edwards)

Athletic Trojanettes continue to grow

Body

Athletic. That’s the word Windthorst Head Coach Allison Bussey used to describe her 2021 team.

“We are very scrappy; we can jump; we have a lot of big hitters. Defensively we are all over the place. We have a lot of heart and a lot of fight in us.”

After last season came to a disappointing end in the bi-district round against Chico, the Trojanettes have hopes of making the regional tournament in 2021.

After going through growing pains for the last few seasons, the Trojanettes look to have the right mix of upperclassmen leadership and underclassmen talent. (Courtesy photo/Jamie Anderle)

Latham leading on and off the court

Body

Windthorst senior Camryn Latham knew when she was young that she wanted to grow up and be a Trojanette when she got to high school.

“I have two older sisters so I remember watching them. It’s been six or seven years but I remember wanting to be like them when I was younger because they were so good, going to the state tournament every year. I told myself ‘one day that’s going to be me and I’m going to make it there.’”

Windthorst senior Camryn Latham looks to bring the Trojanettes back to their former glory in her final season in the Blue and White. (Photo/Will Edwards)

Spears again going for Gold

Body

Holliday senior Hannah Spears may have already entered into G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) status for the Eagles, but don’t tell her that.

With a trio of gold medals and numerous school records to boot, Spears still has the drive needed to go for gold this fall in cross country.

Holliday senior Hannah Spears hopes to add two more gold medals to her collection this fall after taking fourth individually and second as a team at last year’s state cross country meet. (Photo/Will Edwards)

Belcher set to lead Windthorst XC

Body

Cameron Belcher was a State Qualifier last year as a freshman and the Trojanette Cross Country team finished second in the District 9-2A race last October. Unless some additional runners step up, according to Cross Country Coach Scotty Lofland, the four Trojanette runners will compete only as individuals.

After last year’s first place finishes at the district and regional meets, Belcher should make another appearance at the UIL State Meet this November.

Lady Eagles' XC looking for another podium year

Body

Reserve a spot on the Holliday High School lawn for another State Championship monument. The Lady Eagles Cross Country team brought home a gold medal in 2019 and a silver medal in 2020. Led by senior Hannah Spears, a fourth place individual finisher last year, the Lady Eagles have enough quality runners to take the top spot again in 2021.

Subscribe to Sports