Texas school starts and ends at QB
In one of the toughest districts, in the largest of high school classes at 5A, Grapevine (Texas) has to battle tough heavyweights every year which include last year's national champion Southlake (Texas) Carroll, the always talented Denton (Texas) Ryan, and Colleyville Heritage.
However, coach Gary Mullins who has built an offense on the arm of his returning quarterback Steven Headley is ready to make noise with his Mustangs. After going 5-5 last season, improvement all starts in his primed passer.
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"That's where it begins with our quarterback in Headley," Mullins said. "He's outstanding with great throws and our receivers have been in sync with him ever since he started throwing it. Our receivers are great, but he pulls the trigger on this team."
Targets is something Headley has no shortage of in the Grapevine arsenal. Receiver Max Brown already looks the part of a Division I target. The 6-foot-6, 212-pound tight end Taylor Wardlow also makes for a prime receiving threat with his outstanding height.
Brown, like his quarterback, are ready for what's ahead.
"We're ready because playing in tournaments for 7-on-7 stuff and the off-season training has really been going well," Brown said. "I'm a receiver and I just want the ball in my hands. That's something I think we'll do a whole lot better at this year."
Wardlow, one of the state's most underrated prospects, has been working to this point all his life.
"I've been playing football since I was in 7th grade," Warldow said. "I love this game and to be out here with these guys who love it too is really something special. I've been working hard to keep my progress moving."
"Basically, we have to make it. We have no other option that to make and win state."
Coach Mullins is just glad to be in the presence of on-the-field leadership.
"When Headley is in there, on the field, those guys know it's going to be okay," Mullins said. "Brown, Wardlow, and all those guys really look up to him out there and that makes my job a lot easier and gives us the ability to win more football games."