SouthLake Christian Eagles 2025 Season Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Team preview season rolls on and we're taking a look at our first NCISAA team of the season, the SouthLake Christian Eagles. After winning just one game from 2021-2023, the Eagles put up a 4-6 record last season and are looking to build on that in 2025. What can we expect from the Eagles and who are the players to know?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here, we're breaking it all down in our SouthLake Christian Eagles 2025 season preview.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">SouthLake Christian Eagles Team Preview</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Info</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Caleb Hughes (First year)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Record:</strong> 4-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Conference: </strong>NCISAA Big 6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Games: </strong>vs. HPCA (10/3), @ Covenant Day (10/10), vs. Hickory Grove Christian (10/17)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Storyline</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a very, very different team than the one that won five games from 2021-2024. Caleb Hughes is in his first season as head coach and the Eagles brought in several potential high-impact transfers to bolster the roster. I feel comfortable projecting SouthLake Christian to be better going forward, but what kind of progress can they make in 2025?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm interested to see how a new scheme and some new personnel impact the Eagles' ceiling, and maybe more importantly, their floor. What can we expect from a program that has been a contender in the past? I don't have a great feel for this team, so I'll be interested to see what happens early in the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top SouthLake Christian Eagles Players</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Offense</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perhaps the most exciting development is the introduction of a proven quarterback and receiver. Former Pine Lake Prep passer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1321016' first='Cameron' last='Gandy']</strong> comes in and while the overall numbers aren't elite, the arm talent is. If he can take a step forward, that should really help the Eagles take the next step.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1613651' first='Thomas' last='Jenkins']</strong> comes in having already developed a rapport with Gandy at Pine Lake Prep. Those two should give the offense and immediate boost. Jenkins joins fellow receiver <strong>Kaeden Eddie</strong>, a 6'2," 170-pound deep threat who led the Eagles in yardage on just 22 receptions last season. <strong>Selassie Bruton</strong> didn't get much run in the Eagles' offense last season, but adds a different skill set to make the attack more multiple.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best overall prospect on the offense might be offensive lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671904' first='Hunter' last='Tedder']</strong>, a mammoth left tackle with massive power and good pass blocking technique. He has a number of Division II offers right now, but could end up at the FCS level by the end of the recruiting cycle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Parker Smith</strong> adds much-needed experience as guard, a guy who has flashed as a high-level run blocker and can hold his own in the passing game as well. Though on the smaller side, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1880225' first='Connor' last='Smith']</strong> has some pass-blocking upside and versatility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Defense</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive unit doesn't have as much future college talent, but it's a budding unit with some upside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The unit will need to replace a few playmakers, both due to graduation and transfer, but there's some talent to work with. The defensive line will be retooled, but leading tackler <strong>Jimmy Lapelusa</strong> returns at linebacker, an undersized, but fearless playmaker who isn't afraid to stick his head inside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive backfield will be a quiet strength for the Eagles this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rising sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616117' first='John' last='Balcerzak']</strong> played some quarterback last season, but he's likely to feature more on defense this year, as he picked off three passes as a freshman. Additionally, <strong>Jacob Hondros</strong> returns after leading the Eagles in pass breakups, with three interceptions and a forced fumble. He has some length, which helps him with the ball in the air.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While I'm not sure if he's ready to start yet, the staff feels good about rising sophomore <strong>Hayden Richards</strong>, a versatile athlete who can play a few different spots. In addition to these guys, I wouldn't be surprised if a few guys played both ways, like <strong>Bruton</strong> or, in a pinch, Tedder.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Verdict</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's important to remember that this is Year 1 for the Eagles. I expect to see some growing pains under a new coaching staff, but having Gandy and Jenkins for multiple seasons is encouraging. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I expect to see some progress, but a few of the other teams in the NCISAA Big 6 are both starting further ahead and returning more production. Progress isn't always reflected in the record, but I do think the Eagles should have the chance to get to .500 this season. They've got a few winnable non-conference games and should be far more competitive within the conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll know a good deal about this team in October after an quality non-conference stretch, and then we'll have a better idea of what the conference ceiling could be.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>A special thanks to SouthLake Christian head coach Caleb Hughes for sharing his prospect sheet. <em>Want to send this report to someone who isn't a subscriber? Support our work with promo code Helms30 so they can get 30% off their first billing cycle.</em></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->