GRAPE CREEK, Texas — Last season was unforgettable for the Grape Creek Eagles, who went on to claim the program's first district title.
It was a long-awaited victory for a team that has been in the building process over the last few years, under head coach Tanner Thiel.
Thiel took over as head coach in 2018 and says he has enjoyed watching the program grow.
"It's really been neat being able to stay here as long as I have and be able to see the progress in what we've built, and to ultimately achieve some goals last year that had been in place from the last five or six years," Thiel said.
The Eagles faced adversity early on in the season last year but found their rhythm quickly after two back-to-back wins against Early and Ballinger.
Shane Davidson, senior outside linebacker is hoping his team will enter the season with a lot of momentum.
"Well us as a team, I think that we've accomplished a lot this past season. You know we've had the best season in school history, but some of the things we need to get better at is coming together as a team and be able to work. We are an underdog team but we need to be able to face off against anybody and know that we can face off against anybody that we're ever going to play." Davidson said.
The Eagles will have a strong presence of seniors to lead the team this year. Colton Walker, senior safety is hoping he gets to have the chance to raise a trophy with his team just one more time.
"It means absolutely everything, I've been with my group of seniors my entire life. To grow up and mature with them, not only as people but as players, it's incredible. I'm very excited to have this last season with them," Walker said.
The Eagles will suit up for their first game on August 26th against Stanton for a non-district game.