Ellison Eagles looking to build playoff momentum

KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44) -- The Ellison Eagles are looking to build on a breakthrough that has put the program back in the postseason conversation.

Ellison finished 5-6 overall and 3-2 in district play last season, advancing to the bi-district round of the playoffs. It marked the program’s second consecutive playoff appearance, the first time Ellison had reached the postseason in back-to-back seasons in more than a decade.

The Eagles are hoping to make another step forward this season.

Ellison returns 19 lettermen, including five starters on offense. The defense also brings back eight starters from last season, giving the Eagles a veteran group to lean on as they prepare for the new season.

Coach Danny Servance said the focus during the offseason has been on improving the small details that can make a difference over the course of a season.

“Fall in love with the process and the outcome will take care of itself,” Servance said.

Servance said the players have spent the offseason focusing on taking care of their bodies, getting enough rest and becoming more efficient on and off the field.

The Eagles also are emphasizing discipline and consistency, with the goal of avoiding mistakes that can put the team in difficult situations.

“We talk to our kids all the time about a lot of little things that make a lot of big things,” Servance said.

Ellison has experience returning at several key positions.

Quarterback Marlyn Smith is back after accounting for more than 3,300 total yards and 41 touchdowns last season. While Smith will be a key part of the offense, the Eagles said the team’s success will depend on more than one player.

Tyler Reed, junior wide receiver and defensive back, said the team has focused on building stronger relationships both on and off the field.

“This year, I feel like we're going to be better because we, like, we come together as a team every day and stuff, and we hang out outside of school. But like last year, I feel like it wasn't like we were close, but not everybody was close like that. Will's our youngest, all different ages, but this year I feel like we are the same age and like we see each other more,” Reed said.

Jakarius Fletcher, a senior defensive end, said the Eagles know they have to continue working to reach their goals.

“Like I said, last year, we were the hunted, now we are the hunters, so we got to work like we never worked before, get to the place we got to be.”

After missing the playoffs 15 times in 16 years, Ellison has now made the postseason in consecutive seasons. The Eagles are hoping that recent success is the beginning of a new standard for the program.

Ellison opens the season Friday at Copperas Cove.