SWEETWATER — As Year 2 of the Brian Hodnett era begins in Sweetwater, the Mustangs are still in the process of firming up their foundation with 16 lettermen lost to graduation. 

At present, seven offensive and six defensive starters are set to return — meaning there is mix of positives and negatives for SHS. Veteran senior quarterback Caden Ortiz (138-of-246, 1,625, 18 TDs) is among the biggest checkmarks on the plus side, now entering his fourth varsity season.

The Mustangs will have a number of capable skill people back among 16 returning lettermen, including senior running back Nick Avila (132 rushes, 730 yards, seven TDs), senior WR Darwin Blueford (48 catches, 532 yards, five TDs), junior WR Mason Blueford, (19 catches, 82 yards, two TDs) and junior WR Cason Fields.

“It’s a situation where we’re trying to turn a negative into a positive,” Hodnett said. “Because of injuries over the last two years we’ve got a lot of guys who will be sophomores and juniors who have had some valuable varsity time because they were forced to play a little early.”