25 teams in 25 days: East Central Hornets

They say seven is a lucky number, and our seventh stop on this years 25 teams in 25 days tour takes us to East Central as the Hornets gear up for a season with high expectations and high hopes. Led by third-year head coach Sam Huff.

There’s having excitement for a season, and then there is the anticipation of putting the pads on and playing against another team that only a few possess. Including East Central senior Cale Hollinghead.

“It means everything to me,” Hollinghead said. “It’s my life. I love working out, I love being out here, I love hitting people. It’s just fun.”

While Hollinghead’s definition of fun may be very different than yours or mine, there is one thing that we can all agree on, high school football is an exciting time. East Central head coach Sam Huff says that he knows it’s not just something he wishes was happening right now.

“I know it’s something they look forward too, and we do as coaches,” coach Huff said. “I know this can be repetitive out here but it’s always something to look forward too knowing that it is coming.”

The Hornets finished last season 3-7. While their record last year didn’t have the outcome they wanted it too, they now have a chip on their shoulder to prove everyone wrong.

“We just want to change their mindset, you know, show them we are really a team that can dominate,” senior Zaccheus Guyton said. “Truly thankful, you know, and I want to leave it all on the field and we just do good this year.”

To reach the goals tat the Hornets want to as a team it is going to take just that, a full team effort. Coach Huff says it starts with the leadership in the senior class.

“It started from the first day we worked out after the season ended,” coach Huff said. “The commitment from the seniors, you know, it started then. Staying after, doing extra, doing more than what is required of them. That is what I am excited to see, see how that pays off.”

“I am excited to see these young kids’ workout,” Hollinghead said. “Get better, and improve themselves and get ready for the years to come.”

“Yessir, just watching them grow up like we did and I just want it to be the best thing that, you know, comes to them,” Guyton said. “Make sure they have a good season the rest of the time.”

Head coach Huff and the Hornets will open their season at home against George County on Friday, August 30th.