High Hopes for Sterling City Ahead of 2017

STERLING CITY, TX-- Last year, in Head Coach Trey Sisco's first year at the helm following his promotion, the Eagles of Sterling City compiled a modest 7-4 record and finished second in district 6-1A D1. This year, in the second year of Sisco's tenure, the expectations are higher.

"These kids work hard," Sisco said. "Our seniors' leadership will help us a lot."

The Eagles return eight seniors from the squad that made it to playoffs a year ago. They will be relied on tremendously to help cultivate a young group of guys who will take the field in 2017.

"[The seniors] are trying to help the young guys," Sisco said. "Sometimes you hear about seniors giving their younger teammates a hard time, but that's not the case here."

With Sisco taking over, you'd think there would be some transitional woes with a new head coach, even if the coach is known to the players. But that's not the case for the Eagles.

"We've seen a smooth, comfortable transition with this group of athletes," Sisco added enthusiastically.

That smooth transition was undoubtedly aided by senior All-State running back Tavenn Raymor, who rushed for 1,322 yards in the first year of Sisco's direction. "Tavenn had a huge season for us last year," Sisco noted. If Raymor can best his numbers from 2016, that could see the Eagles edge out Garden City, who's favored to win district 6-1A D1 once again this year.

Defensive reinforcements for the Eagles come in the form of All-State defensive end Brenden Sisco and linebacker Josue Rodriguez, both returning for their senior season. Last year, Sisco totaled 67 tackles and six sacks on opposing quarterbacks while Rodriguez racked up a staggering 143 tackled and four defensive TDs. "If those guys can stay healthy, we'll do well," Sisco mentioned.

Two of the Eagles' four losses a year ago came to the hands of eventual state champions Borden County and Richland Springs. With a solid core of players returning from that team, the experience gained from playing high level teams like that could see this team past the likes of Borden County or Garden City. Sterling City goes 8-2 and captures a district title this season. The Eagles begin the 2017 campaign in Jayton on September 2, where they will face Turkey Valley at 5:00 p.m.