WALKING AMONG THE GIANTS

For the first time since 2014, Walnut Springs Hornets makes the jump up to Class 1A, Division I as the smallest among the big schools in six-man football

As the school impacted the most by the University Interscholastic League breaking up the Bosque County six-man district with the biennial realignment last February, the Walnut Springs Hornets moved up to Class 1A, Division I for the first time since 2014.

Competing against the 20th-ranked Avalon Eagles, the 21st-ranked Milford Bulldogs, the perennial playoff contender Blum Bobcats and the Covington Owls in District 9-1A, DII, the Hornets will be taking on the new challenge by handing the reigns over to new head coach Richard Dye with the smallest enrollment in Class 1A, DI.

“When it comes to picking the team to beat, I’ll always say Milford – tradition and athleticism,” Dye said. “Avalon will be strong, too. Then Blum, Covington and us – we’ll all be in there scrapping for a playoff spot. We’re going to get after it and try to improve every day, every game. I know our folks worked hard this summer, and we’re working hard now.”

Coming off back-to-back seasons without qualifying for the playoffs, the Hornets found themselves in unfamiliar territory entering the 2023 Texas high school football season. But after being devastated by injuries in what began as a promising season last year, the Hornets will open their campaign with a new battle cry – stay healthy. And Walnut Springs stayed just healthy enough to take second place behind state-ranked Iredell.

“We’re going to get after it and try to improve every day, every game,” said Dye, who served as former Walnut Springs head coach Tim Trotter’s assistant coach from 2013-16. “I know our folks worked hard this summer, and we are working hard now.”

With six returning lettermen including three offensive and three defensive starters, senior spreadback and linebacker Jesse Lamb, senior quarterback and defensive back Josue Ontiveros and junior running back and defensive lineman Cameron Mitchell will lead the way for the Hornets.

In 2023, Lamb led Walnut Springs offense with 642 rushing yards and 29 receptions for 609 yards for a combined 19 touchdowns. Defensively, Lamb led the Hornets with 55 tackles, seven fumble recoveries and three blocked PATs, followed by Mitchell with 35 tackles.

Other returning lettermen expected to contribute will be junior receiver and defensive back Landon Chambers, senior center and defensive lineman Deegan Murrah and sophomore receiver and defensive back Jesus Rodriguez.

“We have good skill folks with quickness that work hard, just not a lot of depth,” Dye said. “We’ve got to get better with our blocking. In non-district, our depth has to continue to develop. We’ll be competitive, but we’ve got to get better every day.”

Photos by SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS