MART, Texas — The offseason was especially busy in Mart, as head coach Kevin Hoffman announced his retirement in January, only to un-retire weeks later. Now, with a new perspective on coaching, Hoffman hopes to lead Mart back to a state title.
"It feels different than it has the last couple years," Hoffman said. "If we can get our young kids some experience, our non-district schedule is tough. But we want them to learn from that and get better and be ready for when we do hit our district schedule."
The Panthers lost a few key multi-year starters in Kei'shawn Clater and Klyderion Campbell, who will be playing in Division III this fall. Clater and Campbell were both major contributors to Mart's state title teams.
Still, the Mart roster is loaded once again entering 2022. Brandon Lundy will once again be a threat at wide receiver, while Jonah Ross will make the move to quarterback.
But, while their skill position players will be dangerous once again, Hoffman believe the Panther offensive line will be one of the best in his tenure at Mart. Caiden Arnett will serve as the anchor of that front.
"They're hurt and they're hungry and they want to get back to [AT&T] Stadium because they felt like for so long, that was home away from home," Hoffman said.
Mart has not lost a regular season game since 2019 and have not lost a district game in much longer.
The Panthers enter the 2022 season ranked No. 3 in Conference 2A-II.
2022 FOOTBALL SEASON:
8/26 at Paris Chisum 7:30
9/2 at Marlin 7:30
9/9 vs Italy 7:30
9/16 at Centerville 7:30
9/23 at Meridian* 7:00
9/30 vs Hico* 7:00
10/7 at Frost* 7:00
10/14 Open
10/21 vs Wortham* 7:00
10/28 at Dawson* 7:00
11/4 vs Hubbard* 7:00
*District Game
Click here for more 2022 season previews.
