BRYAN -- The Eagles look to make big strides and put a few more marks in the win column this year than in seasons past.

Nine players who started a year ago return on offense, including quarterback Luke McClure, who will be more experienced and confident after playing last year as a freshman.

A young quarterback’s best friend is the line, and the Eagles return four starters there. McClure will also have a trio of talented junior backs to work with in Nicky Damon, Tres Todd, and Ben Rios and receiver Thomas Marvin. Eight starters return on defense, led by linebacker Matthew Krause and Todd at safety. The secondary has four starters back, and may be the strength of the defense.

TAPPS will have a new look in 2012, dropping a classification and going with just three divisions. The Eagles leave a district last season that featured Division III state runner up Austin Regents for one that includes Division IV champ Hallettsville Sacred Heart, Division IV runner up Shiner St. Paul, and Division IV semifinalist, and crosstown rival, Brazos Christian. Needless to say, it will be tough, but if the Eagles can turn the lessons they learned a year ago into successes on the field this season, they will contend for a playoff spot for the sixth year in a row.

2012 SCHEDULE
8/31 @ Central Texas Christian
9/7 @ Temple Holy Trinity
9/14 Snook
9/21 Tomball Rosehill
9/28 Iola
10/5 OPEN
10/12 Hallettsville Sacred Heart
10/19 @ SA St. Gerard
10/26 Shiner St. Paul
11/2 @ Schertz John Paul II
11/9 Brazos Christian