It may be a fresh start, but Overton plans to contend

Photo by Mitch Lucas MUSTANGS READY TO RUN...AND TACKLE...AND WHATEVER ELSE IT TAKES — Overton High School has a new head football coach this season in Ty Robinson. But Robinson says in spite of it being his first year with the program, and in spite of losing a lot of talent to graduation, he expects the Mustangs to win some games and contend for the district title. Above, from left: senior Matt Zalman, junior Garrett Williamson, junior Telvin Darden, senior Jacoba Gardner, and senior Kendrick Smith. OVERTON — It's a new beginning for the Overton High School football program, with a new head coach who has a good pedigree.

Ty Robinson took over the head coach and athletic director positions from Stephen DuBose in May, a late change, to be sure.

"But the school board has been just great," said Robinson, 32. "They've been very supportive of everything, and they want to do things the right way. And we're

working in that direction."

Robinson has had a few stops in his young career, including defensive coordinator at Jasper High School. His wife's name is Lara and they have two girls: Claire, 8, and Ellie, 6.

ROBINSON Robinson does have the benefit of bringing back DuBose's coaching staff. Terry Lowry returns as defensive coordinator for the Mustangs. Travis Jackson, also the school's head baseball coach, is back as offensive coordinator. Roderick Portley, the Mustangs' championship-winning powerlifting coach, will coach linebackers and wide receivers, and Josh Barton, a former player at Harmony, joins the staff. He'll also help with baseball and basketball later in the year.

The Mustangs went 2-8 last year, suffering through some injuries to key players along the way. But now, they've lost a lot of players to graduation. Overton brings back only three starters on offense, six on defense.

Overton might be in a bit of a rebuilding mode for Robinson's first year, but one factor he does have in his favor is Telvin Darden (5-6, 150). Darden, just a junior, is arguably one of the best athletes in East Texas. The Mustangs will make the most of his talent, using him mainly at quarterback, Robinson said.

"We're building our offense around Telvin," Robinson said. "He's very smart, very coachable. We can do so much with him. He's going to make some plays."

Also getting a bit of time at quarterback, Robinson said, will be junior Peyton Crawford.

"We feel like Peyton is very capable of running the offense, too," the coach said. "If we used Telvin in another position, I'd be confident that Peyton would be able to get the job done."

At running back, the Mustangs will have a few players fans will recognize. Jacoba Gardner, a talented senior, is back, and junior John Michael Florey and senior Teray Smith will also get the ball. "We feel good about all those guys," Robinson said. "Anytime you take a new position and get in, before you see practice, you really don't know what to expect. But we've got some talented kids here. We're better offensively, at this point, than I really thought we'd be."

Junior Nathan Holland, who stands at the 6-foot-3, 6-4 range, will be a primary target for receptions, but a lot of players will have the chance to get their names in the hat at wideout, Robinson said, including junior Casey Reinhart, Crawford, and junior Scott Osbourn in the slot.

Along the offensive line, Kyle Kern, a 240-pounder, is back, and will be joined by Garrett Williamson, Josh Moore, Brandon Steadman, and L. West. Tight ends Matt Zalman, a senior the coaching staff has converted from a lineman, and Kendrick Smith, also a senior, will help in blocking chores. Several of the offensive linemen will double as the defensive front, which will also include sophomore Shelton Rogers and junior Colby Watson.

Linebackers will be Florey, Osbourn, Teray Smith and Gardner, and Robinson looks for Reinhart to make an impact at free safety. Darden will handle the punting.

Overton will compete this season, following UIL realignment, in District 20-1A, with Division I state champion Alto, Carlisle, Cayuga, Cross Roads, Cushing and Grapeland.

Alto went 14-0 last year, and lost quite a few starters. But running back Marcuse Gasaway, who rushed for over 1,700 yards and 21 touchdowns, returns, as does defensive back Brandon Thacker, who had seven interceptions last year.

Cayuga went 8-4 last year, getting to the regional semifinals. The Wildcats have a running back — Traylon Shead — who stands 6-3, weighs over 200 pounds and was justifiably an all-state pick last year, when he rushed for 2,800 yards and 33 touchdowns.

Without question, the district will provide the Mustangs with some tests.

"We feel like we can go in and compete for a playoff spot," said Robinson. "But it is a hard district, with some good teams."

The coach said the school's recent success in winning in baseball and powerlifting can help translate into a winning mentality on the gridiron, as well. "There are a lot of kids here who are used to winning," he said. "They know what it takes to win in baseball, in basketball, in powerlifting. They know it's going to take hard work and dedication."

The Mustangs open the season at home at Coach Chester Roy Stadium on Friday against Ore City.