Hanna kicks off season at Sams

It's time.

The high school football campaign can officially kickoff as the Hanna Golden Eagles host Sharyland for the season opener at 7:30 p.m. at Sams Stadium.

After starting 5-1 in 2007 the Rattlers dropped their last four games leaving them outside the playoff picture for the second consecutive year

Sharyland also took a hit with 07' graduating class as the team lost nine players on the defensive side of the ball.

As for Hanna, this should be quick indicator how second-year head coach Tom Chavez' group has ad-justed to his new system.

The Golden Eagles haven't been to the playoffs since 2001 and have finished 1-9 the past two seasons.

Sharyland coach Fred Sanchez said with Chavez at the helm of the Golden Eagles program that to-night's matchup should be an interesting contest for both teams.

"Everybody wants to start off the season with a win," Sanchez said. "This should be a good test for us. They have an experienced defense and coach Chavez always does a good job (prepping his team)."

One of the main concerns that Chavez and Sanchez agreed on was the turnover factor.

Both coaches would like to see minimal mistakes and added that it might come down to who wins the turnover battle.

"This team can't make many mistakes," Chavez said. "We have to go out there and make some plays, we're looking forward to this (game)."

According to Chavez the Golden Eagles have made considerable strides from last season adjusting to his new schemes on offense and defense.

This should bode well for an Eagles squad that has 17 returning letterman including senior safety Ramesh Ramnaire and quarterback Neo Santibanez.

Continuity and awareness will be needed especially on defense against a Rattlers squad that averaged over 27 points per game in 2007.

"We are way ahead than last year (at this time)," Chavez said. "Defensively I'm going to expect a lot out of that unit. We are one year older and have one year more experience."