Fulton poised to achieve breakthrough season
FULTON, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Fulton Hornets have kicked off preparation for the return of high school football. Dana Chambers Jr.'s team began official practice for the new season earlier this week, striving to have a breakout campaign in 2024.
Chambers Jr. is entering his fourth season as Fulton's head football coach. Over the past three years, the Hornets have only recorded two wins, but Chambers Jr. believes his team is poised to break through and find more success this season.
"I feel like we're going in the right direction. The kids are doing what I ask them to do. Our seniors, I've had them for four years now. They're bought in to what we're teaching, what we've been telling them since I got here and they're preaching it to the guys underneath them," Chambers Jr. said. "We got some athletes in some good places. Some guys that have returned with a lot of experience in some different places, so I'm just proud of the guys that we have and the work they have put in this summer. I'm excited to see what they do this fall."
Chambers Jr. likes the competition he's seen at practice from some position groups, including the quarterback room. He highlighted sophomore Cooper Hrabovsky and junior Jaden Galbreath as the two athletes competing for the starting spot at that position this fall.
"They've all done a great job this summer. They all do some things really well, and they have some things that they're working on individually to get better to lead the team," Chambers Jr. said.
Fulton also has some other key players returning for the upcoming campaign. Chambers Jr. mentioned several athletes who the team will be relying on as leaders. One of those players is senior Gabe DeFily, who was a third-team all-state selection at defensive back last season. However, collectively, the team's togetherness is one of the traits that stands out about this year's group.
"They're together. They all enjoy being around each other. They do a good job of doing what we ask them to do. They're holding themselves to a higher expectation, and it's just good to see," Chambers Jr. said.
The Hornets will travel to Eldon to face the Mustangs in Week 1. Kickoff for Fulton's 2024 debut is scheduled for Aug. 30 at 7 p.m.
