As an Early assistant since 2016, Randall Case helped the Longhorns end an 11-year playoff drought in 2020 and build a winning tradition with three additional postseason berths since.

Now the school’s head coach after replacing Daniel Price, who left in April to become the offensive coordinator at Palestine, Case is tasked with sustaining that momentum from a new and larger role.

Inheriting a program that returns just eight of 26 lettermen from last year’s 6-6 team, the new Early mentor will have his work cut out for him in that endeavor. But if you think he or his young squad are ready cede the ground gained the past four years, you would be sorely mistaken.