Home News Football Guide:

Legacy hopes wins continue

Richard Brian

Legacy enters its third year of existence with high hopes in the tough Northwest Division. It will be led by, from left, Deshae Edwards, Evan Blanner, Rodney Gilmore, Marco Delgado and Billy Purcell.

By Sean Ammerman (contact)

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008 | 2 a.m.

Legacy team page & schedule
Legacy roster
Colors: Burnt orange, white and navy
Coach: David Snyder, third year, 3-15
Homecoming game: Sept. 19 against Centennial
Key players: RB/CB Deshae Edwards, TE Billy Purcell, RB Prince Oroke, LB Rodney Gilmore
Prediction: Legacy sneaks into playoffs as No. 4 seed

For a while it seemed like Legacy’s losing streak last season would never end.

The Longhorns dropped their first eight games, but with the end of the season nearing and playoff contention out of the question, they rebounded in the final two weeks.

Legacy coach Dave Snyder hopes the wins will be a step toward the school’s first winning season.

“I expect us to come out and compete with everyone,” Snyder said. “Getting those wins the final two weeks last season was definitely a confidence builder.”

Adjusting to 4A football has been difficult, especially because the third-year Longhorns are in the competitive Northwest Division.

“Building the program has been a challenge,” junior linebacker Rodney Gilmore said. “After two years of people saying we’re too small or too young, I think we’re finally capable of winning.”

The Longhorns will be led by a majority of juniors, such as tight end Billy Purcell and running back Deshae Edwards, who received plenty of experience as sophomores.

Legacy will look for Prince Oroke, the lone senior in the Longhorns’ backfield, to give them an added offensive threat.

“I think because we have had so many young kids it has allowed them to get more experience on the varsity team,” Snyder said. “I think we have a nucleus of players who know what to do in game-time situations.”

Legacy’s biggest improvement may be on defense where their tackling leaders from last season — Gilmore and strong safety Evan Blanner — both return.

“I think our core linebackers have really improved,” Snyder said. “We have enough guys that we’ll be able to sub them in and keep everyone fresh.”

Sean Ammerman is a reporter for the Home News. He can be reached at 990-2661 or sean.ammerman@hbcpub.com.