After completing 10 years as the head coach, Josh Edwards and his Comets put together their best season since 2011, with a 4-6 record last year. Now, Edwards plans to build on the teams success with his upperclassmen.

Though the Comets on paper did not look extremely impressive last year, part of that was due to only playing three quarters of the game. Of the six losses, two of them were lost in the fourth quarter, one at Oak Hill and one at Madison-Grant. Though the team has fallen short on some outcomes, its biggest blowout was by 40 points. With the capacity to outscore a team in that fashion, Edwards is counting on utilizing his strong-skilled veteran players to go above a .500 season.

Taking the snaps for Eastern will be quarterback Garrett Hetzner. Hetzner has put time in the weight room over the off-season to build his body frame. At 6-feet 3-inches and 180-pounds, he has the size and strength to pass or carry the ball where it needs to go.

This will be an exciting season for him. Hes been working hard in gym, asking a lot of good questions. Most importantly, hes trying to better his teammates, said Edwards.

At Hetzners disposal will be three returning senior wide receivers, Clayton McKillip, Braden Sparks, and Tyler TP Gilbert. With each receiver comes a unique skillset.

McKillip has the speed necessary to beat almost any cornerback off of the line. Sparks has the agility and mental know-how to beat off defenders. TP will be that guy who will make it happen. Between the three of them, itll be fun to watch, said Edwards.

On the other side of the ball, Edwards and his squad of nine returning starters do not have too much to stress over.

Last year we created a hybrid defense that would fit our kids the best, knowing we would have most of the kids back this year. Weve pretty much kept the scheme the same for the most part, minus a few adjustments, said Edwards. Overall, I think well have a lot of continuity that should carryover from last year to this year.

After implementing its hybrid defense, the Comets were able to shave 10 points allowed per game off of its average. With the majority of its defense returning, mixed in with several key players on offense, Edwards hopes to knockout Oak Hill in the season opener come Aug. 18.

Oak Hill has literally been circled on our schedule since last year after what happened. When we let them score 20 points in the fourth quarter to beat us, its all Ive been focused on since last year, said Edwards.

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Comets look to attack defensively - Kokomo Perspective