CALDWELL, Texas (KXXV) — The Caldwell Hornets enter this season on a 28-game losing streak, but in his second season as head coach Sean Witherwax looks to continue building a winning culture.

“It’s fun every day to see what we’re putting in place,” Witherwax said.

“The kids love it and the coaches love it and we get to talk to people, so we’re excited.

After just one season under Witherwax, you can feel and see the direction of the Hornets program beginning to change – it all starts with the graduating class that is fully engaged and ready to get Caldwell back on track.

“A lot of our seniors are coming back and there really isn’t one that hasn’t missed summer practice,” said senior left tackle Landon Barnes.

“We are all determined to significantly improve the performance of this team than in the past.”

“We have a lot of guys who are tired of losing, so we want to turn that around,” said veteran right tackle Preston Supak.

“Sometimes you have to change the culture, so we’re going to change it. We’re going to change it this year.”

This season, all 11 of Caldwell’s offensive linemen return, allowing the team to hit the ground running and build a strong bond both on and off the field.

“We can dive in a little quicker, we can get it rolling,” Supak said.

“We’re getting the train on the rails and moving.”

“We have that trust, we have that brotherhood that people always talk about,” Barnes said.

“We can go out there and know, ‘Hey, he’s got my back and I’m behind him.'”

Witherwax has laid a solid foundation and the players have quickly adapted to the work ethic and dedication that is now expected of them.

“We have grown considerably and become significantly better with our new members,” said Supak.

“I just want to see where we go,” Witherwax said.

“I want to reach the playoffs.

I want these guys to prove to themselves that they can do it and to be happy about it.”

The Hornets enter this season with the goal of earning their first win since 2021, and this year’s team wants not only a win for themselves, but a win for the community.

“The big goal for this year is to bring everyone back together and show them we are here,” Barnes said.

“We are doing our best and with your support we will try to do what we can.”

The Hornets will travel to face the Crockett Bulldogs in Week 1, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

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