After a winless debut, the Eagles won three times last fall and were more competitive in a difficult district.
With 17 starters returning and a drop to Class 2A Division II, Howard is ready to unlock the next stage of his program’s rebuild.
“It’s a process. You’re going to see progress and then there’s days where you feel like you’re not advancing,” Howard said. “You have to stay in it day by day. It’s time for the process to start paying off some more.”
One of Goldthwaite’s biggest strengths is an offensive line that features seniors Jacob Ross and Edmond Martinez on the left side plus Daniel Barrera and Jack Wetzig on the right side.
But the Eagles also have the skill kids to take advantage of the guys in the trenches. Senior Luke Sanderson had 47 catches for 705 yards and seven TDs last season, and his role is expected to change some.
“We’re going to get him more involved in offense, have him carry the ball more in the backfield,” Howard said. “We’ll do some things with him at receiver as well. Casen Wiedebusch is a tall, lengthy kid and Zach Rodriguez will be a deep threat.”
“We do a lot of zone read and RPOs, and he’s really good operating our offense with the strengths he presents,” Howard said. “We’ve really worked on developing quarterbacks since we got here.”
The Eagles’ defense should benefit from a second season in Matt Landers’ 4-3 system. Sanderson is the team’s leading returning tackler at free safety, while defensive end Cayden Koho plus linebackers Wyatt Jones and Gary Wiedebusch are seniors that should play critical roles.
Howard said summer workouts were well-attended, allowing them to work on their defensive schemes and drills. With the amount of speed in their district, Howard knows that unit will have to play fast.
“We’ve got some good team speed, but we can’t match that,” Howard said. “We feel like in order to beat guys like that, we feel like we play fast and know what we’re doing.”
While the Eagles did drop a division, they still landed in a difficult District 10-2A Division II that includes No. 4 Mart, No. 6 Bremond and No. 11 Chilton.
“It’s nothing we’re not accustomed to. Our district the last two years had Tolar, Coleman and Hamilton,” Howard said. “We’re on the up, too. We need to see that caliber of team. We’re not going to run from it.”
OUTLOOK: GOOD. Goldthwaite hasn’t made the playoffs since 2021 and hasn’t had a winning season since 2016. Both of those droughts have a chance of ending if the Eagles can take the next step. However, it’s a hard enough district that a playoff berth is no guarantee.
GAME OF THE YEAR: Sept. 27 against Chilton not only serves as Goldthwaite’s district opener, but it’s also a chance for the Eagles to set the tone in 10-2A Division II.
GOLDTHWAITE QUICK FACTS
Head Coach: Andy Howard (18-32 overall, 3-17 at Goldthwaite)
Last Season’s Record: 3-7 overall, 1-5 district
Lettermen Returning/Lost: 18/6
Offensive Starters Returning: 8
Defensive Starters Returning: 9
Base Offense: Gun Pistol
Base Defense: 4-3
GOLDTHWAITE FOOTBALL TEAM PAGE