TUSCOLA — There are reasons to believe the Jim Ned Indians could produce a quality team in 2025, with six offensive and seven defensive starters back among 23 lettermen from last year’s 9-4 club.

For that to happen, a few pieces will need to fall into place by the time district play rolls around. At the top of that list: The quarterback position, where Jim Ned must find away to replace Gray Beasley, who has graduated and moved on to Hardin-Simmons University.

A retooled offensive line jelling by midseason will be vital as well. But second-year coach Johnathon McClure has his system established, so things should begin to run more efficiently.