Bringing the heat, P.A.I.N.S, and Eagle Fight Never Dies are mottos that took these Eagle athletes to great lengths. The volleyball, cross-country, and football teams all advanced past the district point this year.

Volleyball

The volleyball team definitely brought the heat this season. Bringing home the titles of District, Bi-district, area, regional semi- final, regional quarter-final, regional, state semi-final, and ultimately the  state championship title for a second year in a row.

“I knew that these girls could get there and each step along the way to that point was such an accomplishment in itself,” Coach Claire Gay said.

The Lady Eagles had some obstacles to face this season with better competition, injuries, and pressure.

“I was so happy that we were able to accomplish this for two years in a row, but the fact that it was my last game of high school volleyball made it even more sentimental,” senior Ariana Buchanan said.

Cross country

Also continuing to state, the girls cross country team brought home a second place plaque, along with silver medals.

“I absolutely expected to be there again because that’s where our standards were set,” Coach David Park said. “We always expect to be there and have something to say about it.”

Junior Jessi Kyle placed second as an individual with a time of 11:49 and was named All State, along with senior Nicole Neighbors who was presented the 4A cross-country All Star award by the Texas Girls Coaches Association.

“It was a huge honor to get awarded that,” Neighbors said. “It’s not something that everyone gets and I was the only person from the 4A division to get that award.”

Boys cross country won the title of district champs and advanced on to regional competition as well.

“I expected to go that far but I’m not sure that the boys being so young and new, actually believed it. The boys just got caught in a fast region this year,” Coach David Park said.

Football

In an exciting game of quadruple overtime, the football team lost in their bi-district game against Stephenville 66-64.

“You don’t really think about it while it’s happening; you just try to do what you can to win the game,” Coach Mike Fuller said.

The team had to adjust to a new system of playing the game and to a new coaching staff.

“It was a good feeling to watch this group of players come together and gain confidence every week,” Fuller said. “They embraced the change and truly improved every game.”

Players stepped up to the plate due to several injuries resulting in a 7-4 overall season record.

“It was different. I didn’t think it was going to be the last game I ever played. I wish I could have done more to help the team win,” senior Felix Guerrero said.