By Peter Sblendorio

Coming off of an impressive 11-2 season, the Coppell Cowboys football team will look to pick up where they left off on Friday night in the season opener against Mesquite Horn.

The Cowboys will sport a relatively new starting lineup on both sides of the ball, as a number of key seniors from last season graduated in June. Despite this, head coach Joe McBride is looking forward to seeing what the new starters have to offer.

“Like the start of ever year, you lose key players from the year before,” McBride said. “I am anxious to see how the new players step up and grow into their new roles.”

In order to win, Coppell will have to slow down Mesquite Horn’s passing attack, as the Jaguars boast speed and depth at the receiver position. The Cowboys hope to counter that with an explosive offense of their own, with senior Cam McDaniel returning for his third year on varsity after leading the team in touchdowns in 2009.

The game starts at 7:30 on Friday night, with the Cowboys opening the year at home at Buddy Echols Field. Tickets will be on sale at the gate before the game.