Preseason Review Featuring North Crowley Panther

North Crowley is entering the 2025 season with serious momentum and a target on their back after capturing the state title last season. The Panthers dominated their way to a perfect 14-0 record, including a clean 6-0 run through district play, and capped off their campaign with a statement win over perennial powerhouse Westlake in the state championship. Head coach Ray Gates has built a culture of toughness, speed, and accountability, and he's got the returning talent to make another deep run. Crowley HS also lost a few coaches , OC Heading to Hutto (Austin,Tx) for a head job. The panthers are looking to make a repeat and believe nothing can stop them. Here are the key players for the panthers this season:   North Crowley 2025 Football Schedule   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>8/28 – vs Lancaster</li>   <li>9/5 – vs DeSoto</li>   <li>9/12 – @ Guyer</li>   <li>9/18 – vs Rockwall</li>   <li>9/26 – @ Mansfield Legacy*</li>   <li>10/10 – @ Lake Ridge*</li>   <li>10/17 – @ Weatherford*</li>   <li>10/24 – vs Boswell*</li>   <li>10/30 – @ Mansfield*</li>   <li>11/6 – vs Crowley*</li> </ul>    Calvin is a disruptive presence on the defensive line with a powerful frame and a motor that doesn't quit. He excels at creating pressure in both the run and pass game, using a quick first step and strong hands to shed blocks. What stands out most is his ability to control the point of attack—whether he's anchoring against double teams or shooting gaps to blow up plays in the backfield.   Calvin plays with a low pad level and leverage, making it tough for offensive linemen to move him. He shows good awareness and instincts, consistently reading plays and adjusting mid-rep. As a pass rusher, he flashes potential with a growing arsenal of moves and a relentless pursuit to the quarterback. His physicality and effort set the tone for the defense.      DJ is an explosive defensive lineman who brings energy, strength, and versatility to the trenches. He plays with a high motor and shows great burst off the line, often beating offensive linemen with his quick get-off. DJ does a great job using his hands to disengage from blocks and is especially effective at slipping through gaps to disrupt plays early.   He's a strong run defender who holds his ground well and isn't afraid to get physical in the trenches. DJ plays with good balance and body control, allowing him to stay on his feet through contact and make tackles in tight spaces. He also flashes upside as a pass rusher, with the ability to collapse the pocket and chase down quarterbacks.      Amaj is a physical, instinctive linebacker who plays with aggression and intelligence. He has a natural feel for reading plays and reacts quickly to the ball, whether it's filling a gap in the run game or dropping into coverage. Amaj has a strong build and delivers clean, powerful tackles he's not just a hitter, he's a finisher.   What sets Amaj apart is his range. He moves well sideline to sideline and is always around the football. In run defense, he stays square, takes smart angles, and sheds blocks with solid technique. In coverage, he shows comfort dropping into zone and has the athleticism to match up with backs or tight ends underneath.      Demarcus is a poised and confident quarterback who plays with command and rhythm. He shows excellent pocket awareness, staying calm under pressure and keeping his eyes downfield while navigating traffic. His ability to extend plays without panicking gives his offense an edge, especially when things break down.   As a passer, Demarcus delivers the ball with good touch and timing. He throws a catchable ball and shows the ability to make all the necessary throws, whether it's a quick slant, a deep shot, or a sideline out. He understands how to read defenses and makes smart decisions, rarely forcing throws.      Donovan is one of the hottest rising prospects in the region after a dominant summer that earned him offers from Baylor, Texas State, Boise State, and Virginia Tech. He's a disruptive force up front with the ideal blend of size, strength, and athleticism. What immediately stands out is his explosiveness off the line he wins with quickness, power, and a relentless motor.   Donovan has refined technique for a young lineman, using violent hands to disengage and a low pad level to maintain leverage. He's a nightmare for interior linemen to deal with, consistently collapsing the pocket and living in the backfield. Against the run, he sets a firm edge and has the strength to shed blocks and finish tackles with authority.      Hunter is a physical offensive lineman who's poised to take a big step forward this season. While he didn't see the field much last year, he's put in the work behind the scenes and is ready to make an impact. Hunter has the size and strength to anchor the line and brings a tough, nononsense mentality to the trenches.   He plays with a solid base, shows good balance in pass protection, and isn't afraid to finish blocks in the run game. What stands out is his willingness to learn and improve he's coachable, consistent, and plays with a chip on his shoulder.   As he steps into a bigger role, expect hunter to bring stability and physicality to the front. His development will be a key piece to the offensive unit's success in 2025.     ohn is a dominant offensive lineman with next-level talent and a commitment to the University of Texas that speaks volumes about his potential. He brings a rare combination of strength, footwork to the position, consistently winning battles at the line of scrimmage. Whether in pass protection or run blocking, John plays with a physical edge and finishes every rep with purpose.   He shows excellent technique his hands are quick and well placed, and he maintains great pad level throughout contact. John moves well laterally and does a great job picking up stunts and blitzes, making him a reliable presence in the interior or on the edge. He plays with a calm confidence and leads by example, setting the tone for the rest of the offensive unit.   With his tools, work ethic, and SEC bound pedigree, John is the kind of lineman who makes everyone around him better. Expect him to be a force this season and a key reason why the offense finds success      Jurwone is a strong, high motor defensive lineman who continues to gain attention with his physical style of play and steady development. Holding an offer from Arkansas State, he's starting to emerge as a sleeper prospect with the tools to climb even higher on recruiting boards.   Jurwone plays with great effort and toughness. He shows flashes of explosiveness off the line and has a powerful punch at the point of attack. Against the run, he anchors well and does a good job shedding blocks to make plays in the backfield. As a pass rusher, he's still growing, but the raw traits are there quick hands, good bend, and the ability to disrupt timing.      Kobe is a developing offensive lineman who's ready to take the next step and contribute in a big way this season. While he didn't see a lot of game reps last year, he's stayed locked in putting in the work in the weight room, sharpening his technique, and learning from the veterans ahead of him.   Kobe has the physical tools to be effective in both the run and pass game. He plays with a strong base, shows good hand placement, and isn't afraid to mix it up in the trenches. What stands out is his hunger he's motivated to prove himself and earn a bigger role.     Marquis is a fast, downhill linebacker who plays with aggression and sharp instincts. He has a natural feel for the game reacting quickly, shooting gaps, and disrupting plays before they fully develop. Marquis thrives against the run, using great vision and anticipation to track the ball and make clean, physical tackles in space.   What separates Marquis is his closing speed and ability to play fast without being out of control. He reads keys well, takes efficient angles, and doesn't hesitate when it's time to strike. He's also shown improvement in coverage, with the ability to drop into zones and keep tight windows on underneath routes.      Tarell is a confident, competitive defensive back who thrives when matched up against top tier wide receivers. Facing highly recruited opponents weekly has sharpened his technique and mental toughness, making him a reliable lockdown presence in the secondary.   He plays with excellent footwork and fluid hips, allowing him to stay tight in coverage and mirror routes effectively. Tarell isn't easily fooled by double moves or sudden breaks he reads receivers' tendencies well and reacts quickly. His ball skills stand out, with the ability to contest catches and create turnovers.   Tarell is also a physical defender who isn't afraid to mix it up at the line of scrimmage or deliver a punishing tackle in the open field. His confidence and experience against elite competition give him a calm, poised demeanor on the field. With continued growth, Tarell projects as a lockdown corner or versatile defensive back capable of matching up with any opponent.      Thomas is a smart and athletic defensive back with a natural instinct for the game. He reads plays quickly and reacts with speed and precision, allowing him to stay in tight coverage and break on the ball effectively. Thomas shows solid technique in both man and zone coverage, consistently maintaining good leverage and positioning against receivers.   He is confident in his tackling, delivering strong, fundamental hits while rarely missing assignments. Thomas is also known for his ball awareness and has a knack for creating turnovers through interceptions and pass breakups. His work ethic and willingness to study film help him anticipate routes and adjust to offensive schemes.      Avery is a tough, instinctive nickel who thrives in space and brings versatility to the defense. He plays with a high motor and a fearless mindset, showing the ability to cover slot receivers, blitz off the edge, and step up in run support. Avery's quickness and change of direction allow him to stick with shifty receivers across the middle, while his physicality makes him a factor at the line of scrimmage.   What separates Avery is his football awareness nohe diagnoses plays fast and reacts with urgency. Whether it's sniffing out screens, jumping a route, or crashing down to make a stop, he's always around the ball. He's also a vocal communicator in the secondary, helping align coverages and making sure everyone's on the same page.          Kade is a young receiver with natural instincts and a confident approach to the position. He shows early polish as a route runner, consistently creating space with clean footwork and quick breaks. For his age, Kade tracks the ball well downfield and flashes strong, reliable hands in traffic. He isn't afraid to make tough catches across the middle and already understands how to find soft spots in coverage. As he continues to grow physically and gain more experience, Kade has the potential to develop into a dynamic playmaker at the by the time he graduates.    North Crowley enters the 2025 season as the defending state champions, and the standard has never been higher. With a perfect 14-0 run last year capped off by a statement win over Westlake, the Panthers have proven they belong among the state's elite. Head coach Ray Gates has built a culture of discipline, speed, and physicality—one that isn't satisfied with just one ring.   This year's team brings back a strong core of talent on both sides of the ball, along with a group of hungry players ready to step into bigger roles. The schedule is tough, featuring heavyweight matchups early and a loaded district slate, but North Crowley has the depth, leadership, and championship mindset to handle the pressure.

North Crowley is entering the 2025 season with serious momentum and a target on their back after capturing the state title last season. The Panthers dominated their way to a perfect 14-0 record, including a clean 6-0 run through district play, and capped off their campaign with a statement win over perennial powerhouse Westlake in the state championship. Head coach Ray Gates has built a culture of toughness, speed, and accountability, and he's got the returning talent to make another deep run. Crowley HS also lost a few coaches , OC Heading to Hutto (Austin,Tx) for a head job. The panthers are looking to make a repeat and believe nothing can stop them. Here are the key players for the panthers this season: