Hornets Soar in Preseason Showcase
Allison Weslie, Staff Writer
September 4, 2025
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The Flour Bluff Hornets delivered an impressive statement in their preseason matchup Thursday, August 28, fighting Mexico City 42-14 in a dominant performance that had coaches and players blooming with confidence heading into the regular season.
Under the guidance of second-year head coach Clynt Elwood and his experienced coaching staff, including strong safety coach Elliot Chapa, defensive line Joshua Cady, and offensive line coach Declan Deyoung, the Hornets showcased the preparation that defined their offseason training program.
The offensive attack is led by senior quarterback Lucian Cruz, a first-year Hornet who transferred in from Alice to take command of the team's aerial attack. Cruz delivered a flawless performance with a perfect 158.3 QBR, completing all 11 of his pass attempts and five touchdown passes in a display of precision that left Mexico City's defense on edge.
Kolton Strey and team mates gather as they leave the field during the preseason game against Mexico City. Photo by: Miacah Hess
"I felt kind of nervous going into the game and then after the game felt confident," Cruz said following the victory. "I think as a team as a whole we felt more confident. I think I did good. I mean there's always room to work on. There's never perfection and you can always get better."
Trey Skinner, Garrett O'Bryan, Cooper Dean, and Landon Green line up on the sidelines as there is an offensive drive. Photo by: Jakobi Holmes
Out of the Hornets' defensive unit we talked to senior returner Garrett O'Bryan, stifling Mexico City's offensive efforts throughout the contest. O'Bryan, part of a veteran defense, credited the team's extensive preseason preparation for their cohesive performance.
"Our defense will surely be a hot point for us this year, most of us are returners so we all have great chemistry," O'Bryan explained. "The pre-season training we did very much so helped with how well our defense communicates with each other and how close we all are."
The victory also provided valuable game experience for younger players, including sophomore receiver Colton Johnson, one of just three sophomores to make the varsity roster. Johnson saw action on kickoff coverage in the first quarter before contributing on offense in the second half.
"Going into the game, we were all in the locker room getting ready, you know, getting all taped up. It was very nerve-racking, but once we got on the field, we were all ready," Johnson said. "After the game, it just felt like family, all together, just all having a blast, it's how football should feel."
Junior player Landon Meschi praised his quarterback's performance while highlighting the balanced offensive attack that saw multiple receivers reach the end zone.
"Obviously, Lucian Cruz had a great game. He had 11 for 11 with five passing touchdowns," Meschi noted. "I think our linebackers had a really good game, I think all of our receivers had a really good game offensively. We all got touchdowns."
The Hornets' preparation extended beyond traditional practice sessions, with Coach Elwood implementing a comprehensive approach to player development that emphasized both physical and mental aspects of the game.
"We grew closer as a family through pre-season challenges like champ camp, our spring ball game, summer workouts where we try to push the guys to be the best they can, and of course fall camp," Elwood explained. "We also like to get our guys familiar with every aspect of the game so we will sometimes assign football IQ homework. IQ homework entails watching and studying film and just studying plays to better familiarize our guys."
The team's preparation included facing quality competition in scrimmages, including a matchup against Jordanton that coaches felt provided valuable experience against an unfamiliar opponent.
"I think Jourdanton prepared us well, they played with a lot of grit and determination," said Coach Chapa. "I think it was a lot different than just scrimmaging our own guys against each other. I think it was good for us."Defensive Line Coach Joshua Cady expressed confidence in both sides of the ball as the Hornets prepare for the regular season.
"I think we will do well offensively both running and throwing. I think since we have a lot of veterans on defense we will have a sort of strong suit on that front too," Cady said.Perhaps, most encouraging for Hornets fans is the shift that coaches have observed within the program. Chapa noted significant growth in player accountability and responsibility compared to the previous seasons."I think our team is turning a new chapter. I feel our guys have become more responsible and accountable this year as to last year," Chapa said.
Looking ahead, players like Junior linebacker Gavin Rivas expressed optimism about the team's potential, crediting their physical preparation for their ability to execute under pressure."They prepared us for the physicality and just being able to get set and in the right position at the right time," Rivas said of the team's preseason training regimen. "I think it will continue well, especially if we continue to get better every day and every week."
With their preseason tune-up complete, the Hornets appear poised to build on this momentum as they prepare for the challenges of district play. The combination of experienced leadership, emerging talent, and comprehensive preparation has created an atmosphere of confidence within the program that extends from the coaching staff to the youngest players on the roster.
The 42-14 victory over Mexico City serves as more than just a preseason win – it's a statement of intent from a Hornets team that believes this could be a special season in Flour Bluff.
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