OVERTON, Texas — The goal is never to stay the same, but always to improve for East Texas teams.
The Overton Mustangs had a historic season last year finishing 10-2, which is the best record they've had since 1993. They represented the Mustangs community well, garnering a nine-game wining streak during the season.
They want to go further this year since they've tasted success and know their potential.
"We're trying to continue what we did last year, not just be a one year, one year thing," said Coach Scotty Laymance. "Our expectations are definitely higher."
Laymance has a new approach to the season, but technically it's old to him. Before practice, they head down the steep hill on their campus to another grass field to push sleds intensively in "all out" fashion to get his players prepared to practice.
"Just pushing the sleds a little bit, some people have gotten away from it in the last few years," Laymance said. "It's something that gives us a chance to bring physicality to our program and our team without just mashing on each other all the time. "
Every football team needs their quarterback.
Senior quarterback Bryce Still threw for 3,200 yards and 38 touchdowns last season. He believes better leadership will lead them to more success this season with more vocal teammates helping underclassmen.
Still also wants to beat his previous stats and make it to the state championship.
"I want to overachieve my goals from last year, and I want our team to go further in the playoffs," Still said. "Hopefully, we can go 16 games."
The Mustangs get their season started against Alba-Golden on Aug. 30 at home.