The Texas high school season kicks off on February 19, the first day for regular season games. Most teams will begin practicing on January 26, getting their rosters set and finalizing their lineups.

Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we will be rolling out team previews of high school teams all across the state and across all classifications, eventually launching our Preseason Power 25.

We have been sending out our annual Preseason Questionnaire to coaches all across the state and as the responses flood in we will bring you a snapshot of what to expect along with top players and keys to success for that particular team. If you don’t see your team’s season preview make sure your head coach fills out his Preseason Questionnaire.

Team: Cleburne
2017 Record: 32-9
Conference Finish: 1st
Conference: 9-5A
THSA Classification: 5A
Head Coach: Ross Taylor
Playoff Run: Lost in Regional Semis
Returning Starters: 8
Returning Pitchers: 5

TOP PLAYERS

 
SEASON PREVIEW

Coach Ross Taylor returns almost the entirety of his team from last year's 32-win, conference championship squad. Expectations are high, no doubt. The Yellow Jackets have a strong pitching staff, led by Texas Tech commit LHP Willie Rangel (Ranked No. 87 in Texas 2019 Class), RHP/3B Major Jobe, and RHP/1B Landon Cody. Losing only one position player means Coach Taylor's defense remains largely intact. Weatherford JC commits 2B Javier Torres and OF Coy Sims will have a large impact on the success of the Yellow Jackets in addition to C Nick Duran (Air Force). One underclassman to keep an eye on for Cleburne is C Slayton Day (2020). This fall, Day was impressive in the Metro Scout League and is currently ranked No. 70 in the Texas 2020 Class. 

Related Content