New Braunfels came up one win shy of a playoff spot last season.
The Unicorns finished 2018 at 4-6 overall and 3-4 in district play, placing fifth in District 26-6A. Schertz Clemens made the final cut by going 4-3 against district opponents. New Braunfels will be looking to claim the spot again this season with 27 returning lettermen, including five starters on both sides of the ball.
The offense is leaning on junior quarterback Peyton Driggers to take a step forward. Driggers threw for 836 yards and five touchdowns last year, with 343 yards and one score coming against San Marcos in a 45-17 road win on Oct. 26, 2018. He’ll be throwing to senior wide receiver Bryson Dyer, who was second on the team with 37 catches, 375 yards and two touchdowns, and junior running back/wideout Matthew Wrase, who gained a 128 yards through the air to go along with 105 yards on the ground.
Kendrick Thompson is the top returning tackler after registering 70 stops last season and picking off a pass. The defensive line features seniors Michael Nuckels and George Marsh and junior Cody Coronado, who combined for 41 tackles in 2018. The defense should also have some experience at linebacker in seniors Matt Littlejohn and Jace Diaz. Senior Chase Mercer proved to be one of the more reliable kickers in the district, nailing 10 of his 11 field goal attempts.
Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine predicts New Braunfels to repeat as the fifth-place team in District 26-6A. The Unicorns will host the Rattlers this season on Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
