Cross High School Football Season Preview

With a town that lives and breathes high school sports, Cross High Football is doubling down on the work this offseason to meet the moment. Head Coach Shaun Wright is focused on building a faster, stronger, and more resilient squad—one that’s ready to face the pressure of being the hunted in 2025. Offseason Focus: Explosive Growth The mission is simple: get explosive and stay strong. “We’re working on becoming more explosive as a team and adding muscle mass to sustain strength throughout the season,” Coach Wright shared. “We’re also evaluating leadership—who’s stepping up physically and mentally.” Roster Outlook: Strength in the Trenches While Cross will feel the loss of several key skill-position players, they return the bulk of their interior offensive and defensive lines—a vital area of strength. “Our linemen are working as hard as any group I’ve coached,” said Wright. “And they’re young, which makes their commitment even more impressive.” The coaching staff remains intact for now, though Coach Wright hopes to add two more coaches to support the team’s growing potential. Players to Watch: Rising Stars in the Trenches Though specific names weren’t mentioned, Coach Wright made it clear that the offensive and defensive linemen have been the heart of this offseason. “They show up, grind together, and push each other—it’s a pleasure to see.” Nutrition Education: Fueling the Grind Cross is doing more than lifting—they’re learning how to fuel their bodies. “We’re teaching the kids how protein impacts muscle growth, what to eat before workouts, and what’s best to consume afterward,” Wright explained. It’s a next-level approach to long-term athlete development. Community Support: A Small Town with Big Passion Cross might be small in size, but its heart for sports is enormous. “This is a sports town,” Wright said proudly. “Our community loves our football, basketball, and track programs. They show up, and they care.” The Challenge Ahead: From Underdogs to the Hunted Perhaps the biggest challenge? Being the team everyone wants to beat. “We’ve become the hunted,” Wright admitted. “We’ll have to play and coach with urgency every single game. That’s why our workouts are grueling—we’re preparing for the fight ahead.” Cross High is no stranger to hard work. But with a stronger core, rising leadership, and a community behind them, they’re poised to turn offseason sweat into fall success.