Friday, April 26, 2024
When the Gatesville Hornets take the field on Aug. 26 at Taylor, they will be led on the field by 14 returning starters from last year’s playoff team.
In addition to carrying the load on the field, eight of those returners will be counted on to lead off the field as well as first-year head coach Aaron Hunter has named six seniors and two juniors his captains for 2022.
Seniors Lucas Garcia, Ayden Necessary, Mason Mooney, Thiele Alvarado, Kason Herbelin and Trevor Smith will be joined by juniors Lawson Mooney and Sean Aguilar as captains.
Lawson Mooney was a First Team All-District selection in 2021 after being named the District’s Defensive Newcomer of the Year in 2020. Alvarado and Smith were Second Team All-District Selections in 2021.
LUCAS GARCIA
What coach Hunter says:
“Probably the guy who has grown the most in the last year. He’s a vocal and energetic leader.”
What his teammates say:
“Very energetic and never has a dull moment. Everyone has their ups and downs but he never seems to have downs. He’s always doing what he can to pick other up” – Mason Mooney
AYDEN NECESSARY
What coach Hunter says:
“Fighter. Just a kid that never gives up. More passionate about football than almost anyone I know.”
What his teammates say:
“Definitely a hard worker. He’s just one of those people who does not back down and fights adversity” – Thiele Alvarado
MASON MOONEY
What coach Hunter says:
“The best leader by example. People want to know what it means to be a Hornet? Watch Mason.”
What his teammates say:
“Very energetic. Definitely one of our leaders on defense and always picks others up.” – Lawson Mooney
THIELE ALVARADO
What coach Hunter says:
“All around great person. Great kid and player. Just a ‘do right’ guy. You’d let him marry your daughter.”
What his teammates say:
“Extremely motivated and has one of the best work ethics I have ever seen.” – Trevor Smith
KASON HERBELIN
What coach Hunter says:
“He’s a fighter and the definition of ‘On The Anvil.’ He’s just like Ayden in that he continues to show up and fight.”
What his teammates say:
“Great guy. Everyone trusts him and he’s fun to be around and is an energetic leader.” – Lucas Garcia
TREVOR SMITH
What coach Hunter says:
“Enthusiastic kid that positively impacts everyone around him. Being around him lifts you up.”
What his teammates say:
“Leader by example definitely. Hard worker and never lacks in effort. He speaks up and is just a great leader.” – Sean Aguilar
LAWSON MOONEY
What coach Hunter says:
“Oh man. Just the guy you want in there with the game on the line. When it matters you want Lawson making the catch or making the tackle.”
What his teammates say:
“Outstanding. Always plays hard and is not soft. He will hit you hard and then he will let you know he hit you hard.” – Kason Herbelin
SEAN AGUILAR
What coach Hunter says:
“Fierce competitor. Dude will absolutely lose his mind if he loses.”
What his teammates say:
“Super competitive for sure. He’s just the very model of a leader.” – Ayden Necessary
