HUGHES BIG RED
Division II, Region 8
Head Coach: Mark Thompson (4-6, one year @ Hughes, 4-6 overall)
2010 Record: 4-6, 2-4

Overview: A 4-6 record may not seem like a big accomplishment, but after going 1-9, 3-7 and 2-8 the previous three years Hughes celebrated what looks to be a turnaround in their football program under second-year head coach, Mark Thompson. The next step for the Big Red will be learning how to score on and how to keep upper echelon opponents out of the end zone. Matching up with the big boys is going to be difficult, but this squad has some pieces in place to give it a go.

LeVon McCants wasted little time letting it be known that he was one of the top prospects in the Class of 2015. He ran for 359 yards with five rushing touchdowns while getting in on 57 total tackles, recovering three fumbles and intercepting a pass on his way to First-Team All-CMAC honors as a freshman. McCants is the perfect foundation for this young coach and team to build around. Another two-way stud joining McCants as a First-Team All-CMAC selection is wide receiver and defensive back Mike Howe. The senior caught 24 balls for 309 yards with four touchdowns on offense and picked off four passes on defense. Like Howe, Terry Cook and D'Amico Stiggers will see time at receiver and in the back seven on defense.

The Hughes’ defense brings back many key members from a squad that held all four of their opponents in all four of their victories to 12 points or fewer. There is depth in the secondary as Jabari Davis and Tyrell Grace both earned Honorable Mention All-CMAC recognition in 2011. Toss in Damarcus Williams, Howe and Stiggers and being rested should not be a problem. Another freshman, Tahron Long, showed great heart and desire on the line while recording a pair of sacks. Senior Lamar Johnson is poised for a big campaign up front. His classmates Keontae Mapp, joins Cook and Jahron Martin to round out the contingent at linebacker.