Wagner Thunderbirds
25-5A
Coach: Pete Gibbens.
Lettermen R/L: 23/36.
2009: 8-3 DI bi-district finalist/6-1 district.
Starters returning O/D: 4/1.
Players to watch: DE Treevon Hopkins (5-8, 170, 4.6), TE Jared Fields-Cooper (5-10, 205, 4.9) QB Seth Pierce (6-0, 175, 4.9), G Derek Dunemore (5-6, 220, 5.2).
Top juniors: FS Naeem Martin (5-9, 165, 4.7), LB Derrick Kindred (5-8, 165, 4.6).
Top sophomores: WR Matthew Mayle (5-11, 180, 4.6).
Other prospects: RB Jacquoi Beauregard, CB Rayvon Campos, C Rudy Gilleland, TE Aaron White, WR Trayvon Martin, CB Mascio Taylor, FB Navonta Peace, OL Chris Sanchez, DE Kevin King.
2010 notes: Coach Gibbens said the Thunderbirds will have to overcome inexperience to become a team that can compete in the playoffs - repairing a defense that returns just one starter and replacing prolific RB Glasco are top priorities. Gibbens said DE Hopkins (64 tackles, 6 sacks) is extremely quick. Gibbons expects a breakout season from LB Kindred (32 tackles), who he said has all the tools to be a great player. Dunemore is a two-year starter at OG and Fields-Cooper moves to TE after starting on the OL for the last two seasons. Gibbons said QB Pierce (55-98-948-6, 7 TDs passing) is a natural leader who makes those around him better. He'll need to play that role to perfection - this team is already going to be a bubble group, and Seguin and San Marcos will likely be breathing down its neck all season long.