TRYING FOR A THREE-PEAT

Looking for their third straight Class 1A, DII playoff berth, the Morgan Eagles hope to make a run for the postseason in a new district

MORGAN – Although the UIL realignment sent the Morgan Eagles to a new situation in District 10-1A, Division II, the territory and their place in it feels familiar. With the breakup of the all-Bosque County district, Morgan and Kopperl join Bynum and Mount Calm to form a new league.

“We ended up with our previous district by going to the North East, and we are familiar with the teams,” Morgan head coach Eduardo Aviles said. “I think with our young group of players, we should be able to contend with everyone in our district.”

The Eagles will begin their drive toward a third consecutive trip to the Class 1A, DII playoffs when Morgan hosts the Class 1A, DI Lingleville Cardinals at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at John Bryant Field.

Coming off back-to-back postseason appearances with a district title in 2020 and a runner-up finish last season, the Eagles hope to challenge preseason favorite Bynum to continue their run of making the playoffs. After claiming the first-ever mythical Bosque County Six-Man Football championship in 2020, the Eagles returned to the playoffs last season as the district runner-up to Cranfills Gap.

“Bynum is the team to beat in our district,” Guereca said. “They have some size and an experienced backfield. My seniors and junior have had a lot of experience against some good teams and played in some good football games since they were freshmen. They have grown and learned what it takes to be successful. They have put themselves in a position to be contenders. They understand the expectations.”

With six returning lettermen, Morgan will have five offensive and five defensive starters returning, led by senior running back Adrian Vera-Rico, senior quarterback Kason Sims, senior end Keylan Watts and senior end Tony Connor. Also playing key roles will be junior Mark Garcia, as well as sophomores EJ Aviles and Zach Mitchell.

“Our players are willing to work and do the little things that will enable us to be successful,” Guereca said. “We lack some size but with a couple of new players. And pending their progress, they will bulk up our line.”

Last season, Vera-Rico led Morgan with 658 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns while contributing 64 tackles, Sims passed for 571 yards and 14 scores, while Aviles finished as the Eagles’ second leading tackler with 60 takedowns as a freshman.

“We are looking forward to having a great start to the season and getting better each week to make the playoffs,” Guereca said. “Our biggest goals will to be in the best shape to stay healthy, work together as a team, and most of all trust in ourselves to see how far we can make our season last.”