BREAKTHROUGH SUCCESS

In new District 7-2A, DI, challenges remain the same for Valley Mills as Eagles must battle two pre-season state-ranked programs in Axtell Longhorns & Italy Gladiators

After battling through the gauntlet to earn their first trip to the Class 2A, Division I playoffs since 2019, the Valley Mills Eagles find themselves facing yet another daunting challenge as the University Interscholastic League’s biennial realignment landed them in the highly-competitive District 7-2A, Division II.

Coming off their first winning record and postseason victory since 2019, the Eagles have been picked to make it back-to-back playoff appearances by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football behind the 14th-ranked Axtell Longhorns, 25th-ranked Italy Gladiators and Dawson Bulldogs, finishing ahead of the Rio Vista Eagles, Itasca Wampus Cats and the Bosqueville Bulldogs.

“It was definitely a surprise the way the districts lined up,” Valley Mills football head coach Bob Featherston said. “There are a lot of new teams next year, so we have to be ready to prepare for totally different match ups.

“It’s going to be a tough district. Many of the teams are bringing back a bunch of kids from playoff teams looking to be even better than last year. A couple of other teams are getting new head coaches that can also re-energize kids and staff to make them better as well. It’s going to be an interesting year with a lot of battles taking place.”

After breaking a four-year drought last season, the Eagles will have 11 returning lettermen, including five offensive and five defensive starters led by junior running back JaSean Johnson, who rushed for 1,058 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. While senior offensive lineman Chris Fazio will man the trenches, junior wide receiver Andrew Rodriguez will provide a reliable target in the passing game after hauling in 27 catches for 301 yards and three scores last season.

“We have a strong offensive line and running back coming back from last year,” Featherston said. “We will be young everywhere else with some good players. But if they can develop quickly before district, we’ll have a good chance to compete.”

Valley Mills will rely on senior Fred Sadler to lead the defensive front after collecting 66 tackles, eight sacks and 19 tackles for losses last season. The linebacking corps will be experienced with senior outside linebacker CJ Gentry and junior linebacker Cooper Wolf, who compiled 99 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries.

“I definitely think we have a chance to make the playoffs,” Featherston said. “I think we have to continue to do what we have been doing. We need to keep getting stronger, mentally and physically tougher and create an atmosphere of team football. I think we have the pieces to be successful, but we still have a long way to go.”

Even though most of the teams have changed, Featherston realizes the new District 7-2A, DI will present much of the same level challenges the Eagles faced in the so-called “District of Doom” over the previous four seasons.

“Axtell is bringing back almost their entire team from a 10-1 season, so they would have to be the favorite to win the district,” Featherston said. “Overall, it’s going to be a difficult district to win games and very competitive. A lot of our district outcome will be player health and who can continue to improve throughout the season.

“We have a lot of young players fighting for spots next year. We have had a great turnout this summer giving us a head start on kids vying for these positions. The summer has been very productive and we are excited to get started with these guys. Our expectations are to improve every week and compete for a spot in the playoffs. It’s a good district, but we feel that the Valley Mills Eagles can be right in the mix.”

Photos courtesy of LACEY WITTE & VALLEY MILLS PROGRESS