New Sweetwater football coach Russell Lucas enjoyed tremendous success during a long career at Hamlin. He compiled a 127-43 record, won eight district titles, had a state runner-up finish in 2019 and made a trip to the state semifinals in 13 seasons with the Class 2A Pied Pipers.
But now Lucas makes the jump to Class 4A Sweetwater. He inherits an experienced team that finished 8-2 a year ago, won the District 1-4A Division II title with a 4-0 mark and advanced to the area round of the playoffs.
Lucas expects the Mustangs to be even stronger this year because of the number of returning players, including their depth at the skill positions.
Sweetwater, which brings back seven starters on both offense and defense, are led by senior quarterback Leo Holsey (12-196-2,271-6, 31 TDs passing and 79-980, 17 TDs rushing). Holsey, who has been the Mustangs’ varsity quarterback since his freshman season, will operate out of Lucas’ spread formation offense.
His favorite target is WR/DB Harrison Foster (26-660, 10 TDs receiving). Foster also had a team-high two interceptions from his defensive back position last season. RB/LB Cedrick Brown (59 tackles), who is the Mustangs’ leader on defense, had 119 carries for 599 yards and eight touchdowns rushing.
Other key returnees for Sweetwater include OL/DE Ely Barrera, DL Noel Mekogue, WR/RB Malik Brown, DB Armando Torres (15 tackles), DB Joe Angel Reyna (48 tackles) and WR/DB Eric Martinez (12-125 receiving and 21 tackles).
Lucas’ biggest concern is a lack of depth on the line.
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