Since the day the Fall 2020 Division 6A football schedule was released, senior corner Preston Hodge has been preparing for the tough task at hand.

“I knew we would have a tough line up this year, so we as a team have to go 10 times harder than ever to reach our goals,” Hodge said.

With the addition of the state champion Duncanville Panthers, it seems that the schedule got all the more difficult. However, Hodge thinks that this is a hill the Indians can overcome, stating “I’ve seen all that my guys can do, and I know what we are capable when we rely on each other and not just focusing on personal growth”.

The Indians finished their 2019 season 2-8 in district play but have been off to a good start in the 2020 season already starting undefeated. Not only has the team had much success over the first couple of games (such as breakout games from running back Shawn Cherry and wide receiver BJ Hawkins), Hodge has been nothing but lockdown on the defensive side of the ball. He has already forced two fumbles (one recovered for a touchdown), had multiple pass deflections, and as well as numerous tackles for loss. He looks to keep up the pace as the Indians look to improve on last season’s record.

“I’ve been off to a hot start,” Hodge said “But it only matters if we are putting tallies in the W column”.

Number 24 looks to be a big factor all year, already grabbing a spot as a nominee for District 6A Player of the Year.

2021 also brings a new challenge for Hodge, the 2021 Indians basketball season. Hodge said, “I’m looking forward to the transition, it’ll be hard but I’m always up for a challenge.”

The Running Indians went all the way to the third round, where they fell to Richardson. Hodge and his teammates have one last chance at the ever-looming state championship.