Members of the 2010 Athens High School varsity football team were inducted Thursday, Dec. 5 into Athens ISD’s Athletic Hall of Fame. This team, which had begun the season with modest expectations, went on to advance to the fourth round of the playoffs that year, just on the brink of the state quarterfinals — deeper than any team had previously achieved.
The Hornets began 2010 at 1-1, with a painful opening loss to Fort Worth Nolan. Despite the uneven start, something had shifted within the team. By the time they hit district play, led by second-year head coach Paul Essary, the Hornets were a team reborn, embarking on an eight-game winning streak. Their offense ran like a well-oiled machine. Quarterback Tevin Watson threw 16 touchdown passes over the first half of the season. Watson’s partner in crime, running back Cameron Darty, racked up yardage with unrelenting determination, rushing for 146 yards in one game alone.
In their district opener against Bullard, the Hornets stumbled in the first quarter, before charging back to nab a 66-20 rout against the Panthers. The message was clear: The Hornets were no longer a team that faltered under pressure. Their defense, which had been criticized for lapses in coverage, began to show its strength as well. Led by players like Xavier Harris and Nick Monmouth, the defense emerged as one of the most formidable in the district. They weren’t just stopping plays; they were creating turnovers that led to quick points.
The Hornets’ offensive explosion continued into their game against Huntington, where they emerged with a 56-0 victory. With fullback Jawuan Martin rushing for 112 yards and a touchdown, and running back and receiver Kendall Sanders adding another of many stellar performances, the Hornets showed they had more than just one or two stars—they had depth, and they were becoming unstoppable.
The district battle against Brownsboro was the most anticipated matchup, a game that would solidify their position at the top of the standings. In what was perhaps their most complete game of the season, the Hornets scored touchdowns on offense, defense, and special teams, defeating the Bears 63-21. The defense held Brownsboro to just 235 yards, including a mere 43 in the second half.
In the postseason, Athens continued to defy expectations. They dismantled opponents with precision, showcasing the depth and balance of their offense and defense. The team’s offensive line, anchored by Nick Richardson and Scott Jordan, protected the quarterback and created lanes for the running backs, allowing the Hornets’ high-powered attack to shine. Watson threw for over 2,000 yards and connected with wide receiver Courtney Whitehead, who also had a standout season with nearly 1,000 receiving yards.
Sanders had a monster year, finishing with over 1,000 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, breaking records along the way. His speed and versatility on the field made him a dual threat, as he also caught 22 passes for 712 yards and 10 touchdowns. His performance earned him a co-Most Valuable Player nod on the District 17-3A All-District team.
Linebacker Austin Fincher, named Defensive Player of the Year, led the Hornets’ defense with 118 tackles, nine sacks, and multiple turnovers. His leadership on the field was part of a defense that kept Athens in contention throughout the season, even in high-stakes playoff games. The Hornets were bolstered by the kicking prowess of Zabdiel Mota, whose consistency on extra points (setting a Texas high school record with 86 consecutive PATs) and his performance in field goals earned him the title of Special Teams Player of the Year.
During their playoff run, the Hornets faced some of the toughest competition in the state, including Brookshire-Royal in the third round. Down by as much as 13 points in the second half, Athens made an inspiring comeback. Martin powered his way into the end zone, and Watson's late-game heroics brought Athens a 29-26 win. With that win, the Hornets became the first team in school history to reach the Elite Eight.
The true story of the 2010 season, though, was not just about victory. It was about the collective heart of a team that was united in a quest for greatness. The Hornets’ march to the state championship was ultimately halted in the regional final by the Coldspring-Oakhurst Trojans. That game, however, was far from the final word on a season that saw Athens break records and exceed expectations. Their 11-3 season set a new standard for most wins in a season, most playoff victories in a postseason, and most points, at 577, scored in a season. The 2010 Hornets broke school records that had stood for decades.
"It was a heck of a ride, wasn’t it?” said Coach Essary. “These guys laid it all on the line all year long."
Accolades & Recognitions:
· Kendall Sanders (Junior): Player of the Year on the All-Henderson County Area Football Team, Sanders set a school record with 24 touchdowns in a single season. He amassed 1,069 rushing yards, 780 receiving yards, and a total of 24 touchdowns, including a punt return. His defensive stats included 48 tackles, 2 interceptions, 5 fumble recoveries, and 3 extra-point blocks.
· Tevin Watson (Senior): First Team Offense, Quarterback
· Courtney Whitehead (Senior): First Team Offense, Wide Receiver
· Cameron Bailey (Junior): First Team Offense, Tight End
· Nick Richardson (Senior): First Team Offense, Offensive Lineman
· Zabdiel Mota (Senior): First Team Offense, Kicker
· C.J. Tatum (Senior): First Team Defense, Defensive Lineman
· Austin Fincher (Senior): First Team Defense, Linebacker & Second Team Defense, Punter
· Michael Thompson (Senior): First Team Defense, Linebacker
· Xavier Harris (Senior): First Team Defense, Defensive Back
· Dillon Holcomb (Junior) and Michael Daley (Junior): Second Team Defense, Defensive Linemen
· Nick Monmouth (Senior): Second Team Defense, Defensive Back & Honorable Mention, Running Back
· Honorable Mentions to Devon Bowie, Christian Ramirez and Jose Castaneda on the offensive line; Zach Basher, Defensive Back; and Desmond Bowie and Justin Hofstetter, Linebackers
· Paul Essary: Coach of the Year
Pictured are (back row, from left) Courtney Whitehead, Micheal Thompson, Justin Hofstetter, Cameron Bailey, Devon Bowie, Nick Richardson, Jose, Castaneda, Desmond Bowie, Kendall Sanders and (front row, from left) Danny Garza, Miles Wilson, Kaleb Hurst, the team's head coach Paul Essary, Austin Fincher, Matt O’Brien, Zabdiel Mota, and Xavier Harris.