Mangan leads Longhorns into District 21-3A fray
This week: Hamshire-Fannett
By JIMMY GALVAN Managing Editor

When the Hamshire- Fannett Longhorns moved into renovated District 21- 3A last year, they knew the competition would be fierce.

When the smoke had cleared on the season, the Longhorns finished a dismal 1-6 in district, tied for last place.

Under new coach Walt Mangan, the Horns will be looking to rebound in what is called the toughest football district in Class 3A.

"I heard of it and I've crossed paths with WO-S, Bridge City and Jasper when they were in Class 4A," said Mangan, who also served as a coach for Brenham for 14 years. "I am quite familiar with the athleticism in the district itself.

"When you have three or four schools drop down from 4A to 3A, it will make that district that more competitive," Mangan said. "I definitely know what we are getting into but there's nothing you can do about but go out and play the teams that show up that night. It's time to start elevating our expectations and try to get on the same playing level with those teams."

Mangan comes to H-F via Kemp High School where he was the head football coach for the small Class 3A program.

"Anytime you come into a new position, it's a little overwhelming," Mangan

said. "Right now, I'm trying to get things started and kicked off and coming in as late as I did, there's more of a sense of urgency."

Mangan admits that he's a little behind coming in. He was named the head coach and athletic director of H-F in May.

"I only had a couple of weeks with the kids and the staff," Mangan said. "There are some setbacks and obstacles to overcome. The more time you have with it, the easier the adjustment time will be."

Mangan said he has been impressed with the attitude of the athletes in the program.

"I have seen some individuals that want to see some things change," Mangan said. "They want to experience some success in football. I definitely feel they are hungry and they want some change and different results. Now, we will see if they have the willingness to pay the price to make a change."

Mangan said he will have 21 returning lettermen including five offensive starters and seven defensive starters.

"We have a good nucleus to build around," Mangan said.

Key returnees for H-F will be Randall Courville, who is expected to take over the quarterback duties for the Longhorns this season.

Two key linemen returning are OL Derek Moss and junior DE Jake Koehl, who recorded 42 tackles last year. Sophomore OT Patrick Mueller is also expected to bolster the line for the Horns this year.

"We were pretty young last year with seven sophomores seeing varsity playing time last year," Mangan said. "Definitely, are strength of this team will be our offensive line and the experience that we return on the defensive side."

Since he is new to this district, Mangan said he could only believe what he has read about the returning players in Kirbyville and West Orange-Stark. He lists those two teams as the favorites in the district.

"They are two teams that are at one level in the district," Mangan said. "The other six teams are in the next tier as far as ability. In this district, those six teams are capable of beating each other on any given night.

"I think it will be an interesting race for a playoff spot," Mangan said. "When you have an eight-team district, it puts a higher value on any district ballgame. You are playing for seven weeks that may extend your season or not. Any time you pick up a district win, it's a good thing in this district."

Mangan said he can't wait to test his Longhorns against the best Southeast Texas has to offer.

"I don't have a ticker on my desk counting down the seconds until the start of the season, but I'm looking forward to it," Mangan said. "Football season means getting away from this office and getting out on the field and coach football."

After non-district contests against Splendora, Liberty and East Chambers, Mangan's Longhorns will get a rough first-test when they open district place at West Orange-Stark.