There is reason for optimism in Haskell these days, largely because of numbers — eight returning starters on both sides of the ball among 18 lettermen and an expected roster size of 25 players. 

That’s a solid prospectus at the Class 2A level, which leaves fourth-year coach Brian Hodnett hoping for improvement over last year’s 3-8 mark — despite being moved up a division by realignment. 

Heading into 2020, the Indians find themselves in District 3-2A DI, with Hawley, Colorado City, Forsan, Anson and Stamford — a challenging league with two teams (C-City and Anson) that have both been moved down from 3A DII.