The Springtown Porcupines are coming off of their best regular season in a long time after the first outright district title since 1998. However, after the double-overtime thriller against arch-rival Decatur, the season did not last much longer due to a second round loss to Sulphur Springs. This year, Brian Hulett’s squad could be poised for a good run that could turn some heads in his twelfth year at the helm.
Despite only returning three starters on offense, this could end up being a very good year if the line can come together. Kaine Hill is back at quarterback after a big breakout sophomore season, earning Parker County Newcomer of the Year honors. He threw for 2,347 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2024 on 141 completions.
Hill has a pair of weapons on the outside that have varsity reps. Despite being known more for their defensive roles a year ago, Riley Jackson and Caden Rodgers will be looked upon to play both ways to help Hill open up the passing game. Christian Mendoza is another receiver weapon that joins the Porcupines after spending his sophomore season at Azle, and his junior season at Aledo.
Two more weapons come from a tight end/h-back duo that proved very strong last year in senior Karson Ferguson and junior Hayden Murrell. Ferguson got most of the reps in 2024, but Murrell definitely was no stranger to showing his potential when he was on the field.
The biggest question for the skill positions is who is going to be carrying the ball. Senior Robert Lewis is an option, but will also be needed on the defensive front where he makes the most difference. However, Springtown did add senior running back Jon Anthony Lardizabel from Mercy Culture Prep his junior year, and Azle his sophomore year. Lardizabel is expected to jump right in and take many snaps to get the running game going.
Up front, the Porcupines also lack some experience but should be able to come together well. Aaron Street is the only returner on the offensive line, but the senior should be able to step up and lead the rest of the line.
Several players will be expected to play both ways for Springtown. Defensively, linebacker Rome Ewell will be the anchor who will likely not be expected to play both ways, alongside Julio Hernandez at defensive end. Ewell recorded 65 total tackles as a sophomore last season. Jackson is a force at safety while Omar Hernandez will be predominantly at corner back but may get offensive reps at receiver as well alongside Rodgers.
Schedule & Analysis
vs Joshua
at Graham
vs Kennedale
at China Spring
at FW Southwest
vs FW Carter Riverside
at FW Eastern Hills
vs FW Diamond Hill-Jarvis
at FW Western Hills
vs Decatur
Floor: 5-5, 2-seed
The biggest thing to remember about Springtown is the district they play in. Five of their six district opponents are in Fort Worth ISD which has historically struggled on the gridiron outside of games within their own school district. The biggest game of the season is going to be the last one against Decatur. The game I have dubbed “The Fight on 51” (a nod to FM-51 which goes through both towns.) Outside of the district, the Porcupines have a very tough non-district schedule. All four games are definitely very winnable, but they are tough. Joshua is expecting to build on its best season in decades, Graham lost a lot to graduation but does not ever fail to reload, Kennedale is always solid with a tough scheme to beat, and China Spring is building back to state championship level. It is very feasible that it could be a rough start for Springtown.
Ceiling: 10-0, District Champions
Coming off of the first outright district title in a quarter-century, with a young, 2,000-yard quarterback, and seven returning starters on defense, the Porcupines should be favored in every single game they play, and they know they can. All they need to rectify is a one-point loss in week one, the only blemish last year, and they can pull off the perfect regular season.
Nolan’s Prediction: 10-0, District Champions
I think Springtown is going to reach the ceiling in 2025. This is the team in Parker County that I have the highest hopes for. Yes, even more than Aledo or Brock. Both Aledo and Brock have the whole state looking at them very closely. While nobody seems to be worried about Springtown because of defending state champion Celina being in the same region. Despite their youth, that was not an issue last year, and I do not think it will be this year. I fully expect the Porcupines to turn a lot of heads and possibly even compete for the regional title. If they get past that, it could be the year of destiny for POJO.
