CALDWELL, Texas -- Caldwell will be under the direction of a new head coach for the second straight season, as Kenneth Gilchrist replaces the outgoing Chance Locklear.

Unlike the change in 2011 when Locklear used many schemes similar to those employed by previous coach Dale Williams, Gilchrist will change things up, mainly on offense where the Hornets move from the old-school Slot-T to a spread attack.

Gilchrist comes to Caldwell from Whitney, where he led the Wildcats to a 5-5 record in 2011 and an 11-19 mark in his three-year tenure. Whitney improved from a zero win season before Gilchrist’s arrival to just missing out on the playoffs in his final year at the helm.

He will have his work cut out for him in Caldwell too, as the Hornets are looking to get back to their winning ways after a tough 2011 campaign. Seven starters return on defense, led by linebacker Antwan Heath. Nine starters are back on offense, including four on an offensive line that could be the cornerstone to the Hornets new spread offense. Brett Gilchrist saw some time as a freshman at Whitney, and looks to be the Hornets quarterback this year as a sophomore. Caldwell changes from district 23 to district 18 this season, but the competition is very familiar.

The Hornets will battle Madisonville, Navasota, Rockdale, and Taylor in a five team district that looks a lot like the one Caldwell played in during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. The Hornets will have some chances early in the season to get some wins against 2A teams Hearne and Franklin, and if Caldwell can pick up a few victories and build their confidence they could challenge for a playoff spot come November.

2012 SCHEDULE
8/31 Bellville
9/7 Hearne
9/14 @ Waco Robinson
9/21 @ Franklin
9/28 OPEN
10/5 Giddings
10/12 OPEN
10/19 Taylor
10/26 @ Madisonville
11/2 Navasota
11/9 @ Rockdale