JUNCTION, TX — After last year’s breakthrough season — which included the most wins in program history — expectations are understandably high for the Junction High School football team this fall.
The Eagles seem up to the challenge.
They bring back 13 starters from last year’s 12-2 team that reached the state quarterfinals and won a district title for the first time in 21 years.
Junction enters this season ranked No. 12 in the state in Class 2A Division II.
Head coach Scott Freeman thinks the Eagles have what it takes to back it up.
“I think our seniors, they do well with expectations. It doesn’t bother them,” Freeman said. “You’d never know we were a state-ranked team if you walked in our locker room. They don’t have that arrogance or cockiness. They’re just confident and ready to go.”
Among the returners is four-year starting quarterback Chasen Doyal, who helped the Eagles score 44 points per game last year.
In a run-heavy offense, he threw for 1,606 yards and 25 touchdowns with only three interceptions. He added 353 rushing yards and four TDs.
Doyal led Junction to its first-ever appearance at the 7-on-7 state tournament over the summer.
“He’s seen just about everything since his freshman year, and he’s grown. His transition at quarterback from his freshman year to now is just unbelievable,” Freeman said. “Now he’s taking the next step in his leadership. He did a really good job leading this week and commanding the offense, getting guys lined up right.”
Junction lost both of its 1,000-yard rushers from last season, Aidan Cardwell and Korren Hoing, so there’s a lot of production to replace in the backfield.
Freeman said he has six to seven players who could contribute, including senior Aydin O’Brien, who has “burst onto the scene and is an absolute wrecking ball.”
“He’s going to be a tough runner to bring down,” Freeman said.
Other players to watch for in the backfield include Koda Bierschwale, Grant Simons, Kelton Bannowsky and Brock Bierschwale.
In the passing game, wide receiver Hunter Dale’s speed gives the Eagles the ability to stretch the field, and tight end Bode Bierschwale emerged as a reliable target in district and the postseason last year.
“Another one is Casen Roberts. He’s a little under the radar, but he has a knack for the ball. He has probably the best hands on the team and somehow finds a way to get open,” Freeman said.
The offensive line will be anchored by first-team all-district center Quade Sullivan. Crue Levien and Andres De La Cruz are other players expected to make an impact.
The defense will be led by a pair of standout linebackers, Bryan Gonzales and Levien, who combined for 225 tackles last year.
Junction also returns all four of the defensive backs in its secondary.
“The key will be our defensive line. We’re having to replace (four-year starters Marco Ponce and Sergio Ochoa). If we can figure out a good rotation up front on the offensive and defensive lines, I think we have a chance to be really good.”
Junction will begin its season at home against No. 17-ranked Goldthwaite to kick off a loaded nondistrict schedule. The Eagles will also face Falls City (No. 14 in 2A D-II) and Mason (No. 12 in 2A D-I, along with San Saba and Early.
“In my opinion, I really believe we have the hardest 2A nondistrict schedule in Texas,” Freeman said. “We built the schedule for a reason. We need to see what we’re made of, and the kids are excited for it. It’ll test our coaches, and our players and our program.”
Junction Eagles
2025 schedule
Aug. 29 Goldthwaite
Sept. 5 at San Saba
Sept. 12 Early
Sept. 19 at Mason
Sept. 26 Falls City
Oct. 3 OPEN
Oct. 10 Center Point*
Oct. 17 at Brackettville*
Oct. 24 D’Hanis*
Oct. 31 at La Pryor*
Nov. 7 Sabinal*
*District 14-2A Division II game
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