For the better part of a decade, the Eastland football team has gained the reputation as a team that won’t hesitate to hurt you through the air.

Though most recently, under former coach Cliff Watkins and current mentor James Morton, the Mavericks have seen a gradual evolution back to a more physical mindset.

Both approaches have been successful, with Eastland reaching the playoffs in nine straight seasons — five of which saw the Mavs chart double-digit wins.

This year, however, may see Eastland rely more on physicality than we’ve seen in the last l0 years, with a large, experienced offensive line running interference for gifted sophomore quarterback Behren Morton (1,031 yards, 10 TDs passing).