Last season, an inexperienced Abilene High squad was forced into one uncomfortable situation after another during a difficult 3-7 campaign.

After graduating 30 lettermen, the Eagles may actually be younger in 2018, but coach Del Van Cox feels the experience his youth gained last year should give this year’s team a better chance to compete at a high level.

The injuries and lack of depth that forced a number of sophomores and juniors into action a year ago have resulted in a more seasoned group this fall. And with twice as many lettermen back this year (32) as last (16), the Eagles are expecting a strong bounce-back performance.