Hixson has new coach, 18-player senior class

HIXSON WILDCATS

Head coach: Josh Owensby (first season here; 9-13 overall)

Returning starters: 7 offensive; 6 defensive

Key players: RB/OLB Nyikee Logan (5-11, 180); RB/LB D’von Maples (5-9, 170); OL/DL Parrish Pacetti (6-3, 240); LB Brandon Prak (5-11, 187); WR/DB Bradley Woodall (5-9, 160); OL/DL Nick Williams (6-3, 295); OL/DL Landon Moore (6-3, 270).

Team strengths: The senior class of 18 has a lot of meaningful playing experience. The Wildcats expect the offensive line to be stout – Pacetti was an all-region selection last year and also won a state wrestling championship, and he will lead up front in his fourth season as a starter.

Team concerns: In a season when athletes and coaches are trying to hurry to get ready, depth is a concern for a roster that lost playmakers Reginald and Richard Hunter, who transferred to South Pittsburg.

Breakout candidate: With speed, shiftiness and the attitude to fight for extra yards, Logan should be hard to stop. Although he played in just four full games last year, he showed outstanding potential by rushing for 345 yards.

Season outlook: The program was rejuvenated by breaking a long losing streak last season.

Players have pushed one another to achieve more. After the Wildcats scored 20 or more points a combined three games in 2017 and ’18, they broke that mark four times last season against some tough competition.

“Our offensive line is a great group with a lot of returning experience,” Coach Owensby said. “Nyikee is a two-year returning starter at running back and really has great vision and runs hard. D’von can also run the ball for us and is a leader at linebacker. Brandon Prak led our team in tackles last year. He and Bradley Woodall bring great experience and will push our team.”