Henrietta hopes to be on Cruse control this season.
Bad pun aside, it does describe the Bearcats’ offensive plans with talented sophomore Cruse Coleman moving into a starring role at tailback.
But he’s also not the only Coleman figuring heavily into the Bearcats’ plans, with older brother Cooper returning as the team’s top receiver from a year ago.
“They’re definitely two of our key components on offense,” Henrietta coach Jay Jones said. “We’re going to get the ball in their hands a lot.”
Cruse Coleman emerged as the Bearcats’ lead running back late in his freshman year, rushing for 238 yards and a TD on 64 carries in the team’s final three games of the regular season. He did enough to make the coaching staff comfortable with dedicating a larger role to him in 2025.
Cooper Coleman has the second most receiving yards of any player returning after last season, catching 32 passes for 748 yards and eight TDs. His 23.4 yards per catch average was second in the area behind Holliday’s Ashtyn Berry among receivers with at least 20 receptions.
The brothers represent two familiar weapons for second-year starting quarterback Chaden Clark who threw for 1,689 yards, 17 TDs and six interceptions, completing 99 of 191 attempts as a junior.
“Chaden has a good grasp of the offense after a full season in the system,” Jones said. “All of our guys are buying into a culture, and they’ve done the work to put us in a good position.”
Offense
Another key weapon returning is Gage McDonald, who suffered a season-ending injury in Week 7. McDonald flashed the versatility to be an effective receiver and running back, racking up 451 yards of total offense on 66 touches.
Jaxon Fugett and Pate Cody are two more receivers to watch, while Cooper Gee figures into the passing at tight end. Graham Gonzenbach has a chance to find playing time in the slot.
The offensive line is led by left tackle Case Brown, who is leading a group that has experience even if they aren’t returning starters. Isaiah Altmann is on track to the left guard with Griffin Melton pegged for center. The right side is likely filled out by Fletcher Moore at right tackle and Logan Longley at right guard.
Defense
The Bearcats are switching from an odd to an even front this season with coach Robby Clark moving from offensive to defensive coordinator — a role he’s previously held.
With the 4-2-5 as their primary set, McDonald and Coy Emanuel give the Bearcats an experienced tandem at linebacker.
On the line, Reece Byerly and Brighton Roberson are likely the starting ends, while Melton, Moore, Longley and Brown will rotate at defensive tackle.
Cruse Coleman and Zack Steinbeck will be starting at cornerback with Cody also finding playing time there. Cooper Coleman will play a hybrid linebacker/safety role with Fugett and Gee starting at safety.
Kyler Adams and Eli Morris have chances to carve out roles on either side of the ball.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: High school football preview: Coleman brothers power Henrietta’s 2025 hopes
Reporting by Jonathan Hull, Wichita Falls Times Record News / Wichita Falls Times Record News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
