TexasFootball.com caught up with Brownsville Hanna head coach Mark Guess to talk about his Eagles ahead of the 2021 season.

Hanna went 4-1 in a Covid-19-shortened season, including winning all four of its games in District 32-6A.

What is the main priority for you and your program this offseason as you prepare for two-a-days or fall camp?

“Our number one priority is developing physicality in the wight room – getting bigger, stronger, and faster. We didn’t have a normal offseason as everybody is trying to play catchup, but the kids are doing a great job.”

The 2020 season was a weird one for teams across the state, but especially those from the Valley. How would you describe what last year was like for you as a head coach and your program in general?

“As a head coach, it was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced – and I’ve been doing this for 28 years. It was weird. We were at a point where we were ready to start preparing for a game, then the next day the rug was pulled out from under us. It was a constant case of ‘hurry up and wait.’ Eventually, it was awesome to get part of the season in, as the seniors really wanted to play regardless of the number of games they’d get to. Our kids are competitors and they wanted to play ball. In the end, we had a great season.”

Were there any positives you could take away from a season like you just had with so many COVID-19-related obstacles?

“The biggest positive would be realizing we need to adjust when we have to – sometimes more than normal. This whole thing was a big adjustment. We all wanted a promise to get to play, but nothing was guaranteed. Every day we got to practice we saw it as a blessing – games even more so. And when it came time to play, we were ecstatic and didn’t focus on the negative of not getting to play.”

Is everything back to normal for you and your program in terms of in-person school this fall, two-a-days, etc.?

“We’re anticipating a normal start in the fall. As of right now, we’re ready to go with our schedule set up to start the first Monday in August. We’re hopeful that the rollout of vaccines will help keep us in a normal season.”

What players are you excited about the most this season?

“Two defensive players, Humberto Garcia and Anthony Ambriz, were juniors this past season. We’re excited to see what they can become in 2021 as they’re both leaders on the defense. We have a lot of young talent to develop on that side of the ball. Offensively, we’re looking for a starting quarterback and aren’t entirely sure who that’ll be right now. Kriz Pena will be back at running back – and while he’s not the biggest, he’s tough to get ahold of with decent speed. He also takes care of the ball. Up front, we’re bring back three 3-year starters with a lot of game experience and high intelligence.”

What positions are keeping you up at night?

“Quarterback, a number one receiver that can take over a game, another defensive end, solidifying the middle linebacker spot, and the secondary – as we lost four defensive backs from last season. We’re hopeful guys that step in will be able to play at a high level.”

How do you feel your team stacks up in your district?

“If we can continue to progress the way we have so far since March, we can play with anybody in our district. It’s a tough district with much parity, but it’s anyone’s to grab. It’ll come down to execution.”