Two-A-Days: New Hornets in the Hive Need Quick Turnaround

MERTZON— The Irion County Hornets have a new head coach and basically a new team.

Last season, the Hornet made the playoffs in a tough district that includes the Menard Yellowjackets, Robert Lee Steers, Veribest Falcons, and the Eden Bulldogs. The Hornets and Yellowjackets made the playoffs last season as, in 6-Man football, only two teams make the playoffs from each district. Irion County is making sure they won't be the odd man out.

To understand how tough the district is, Irion County went 4-0 and undefeated in district. Menard went 3-1, dropping the Irion County game. Robert Lee went 2-2, losing to both Menard and Irion County. For the Falcons? They went 1-3, losing to Irion County, Menard, and Robert Lee. Eden went 0-4 in district. Before thinking 6-Man isn't real football, these kids play with passion and pride in some high-octane competitions against other aggressive programs. This is a tough district to not only win in, but play in.

The offense in the Hive will look different as Trevin Coffell, Bo Marrow, and J.J Harrison, who all three were sons of Irion County coaches, have graduated. On defense, Lee Collins will be sorely missed. But the Hornets have a defensive minded head coach in Shawn Harrison, who was their defensive coordinator last season.

Keegan Wadsworth, Parker Posey, Colton Lawdermilk, Tyler Henderson, and others will step up. One this that isn't lacking is experience and playing time. In the last three seasons, Irion County has made the playoffs in all three, losing to May twice in a row in the first round, then making it four rounds deep to square off against Abbott, who would go on to play in the State Championship. Getting the extra time on the field, especially when games can end at halftime due to the mercy rule, will make these guys better.

Irion County plays their first game against Buena Vistra in Imperial, Texas on August 25 later this month.