Head coach: Gary Murray (0-19 in two years here and overall)
Returning starters: 8 offensive; 5 defensive
Key players: OL Parrish Pacetti (6-3, 250); OL Trever Moore (6-1, 230); OL Nick Williams (6-2, 270); DL Devotis McCurdy (6-0, 280); RB Bradley Woodall (5-9, 160); RB D’Von Maples (5-7, 180); FB Nyikee Logan (5-10, 200); WR Chris Rogers (6-3, 170); WR-LB Reginald Hunter (6-3, 205); QB-S Richard Hunter (6-1, 185); Landon Moore (6-1, 275).
Hixson quarterback Landon Wallace (7) hands the ball off to Bradley Woodall (11) during the Hixson vs. Tyner game in the Best of Preps football jamboree Friday, August 10, 2018 at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Team strengths: Through spring and summer practices the Wildcats have formed the strongest bond Murray has seen in three seasons with the program. Maples is a player the team looks up to.
“This team is ready to rally together, and I cannot wait to watch them compete,” Murray said. “We have 10 seniors and a very experienced junior class who is very tight-nit. This team has a chip on its shoulder and is ready to prove itself.”
Team concerns: After back-to-back winless seasons, the morale of the team must stay up and leadership must be stronger than ever.
“Having the lack of success we’ve had the past two years, it’s going to be hard to not hear that in the community and the hallways,” Murray said. “If I can stop that from being spread throughout our locker room, I believe we will move on and have some success. We have to do away with negative thoughts.”
Breakout candidate: Sophomore receiver Reginald Hunter looks to burst onto the scene and has the upside NCAA Division I coaches dream about. He should form a strong connection with his twin, Richard, who will operate the wing-T offense behind an experienced line.
“Reggie is something special that we haven’t seen out of this area in a while,” Murray said. “You don’t even hear the ball when it hits his hands. Getting him out in space is a big key for us this season.”
Season outlook: In 2016 the Wildcats finished 6-5 and second in their region behind Stone Memorial.
The program has talent and more pieces to the puzzle now as it tries to end a 21-game losing skid and build off the positives.
There are no gimmes, though, as Hixson will face a tough nonregion schedule.