Fall Camp Report: New Home Leopards Begin Flexbone Era with New Faces and a Familiar Fight
- Steven Liles
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 13
The sun was hot and the pads were starting to pop in New Home as the Leopards opened up fall camp this week, and while many things have changed since last year’s playoff run, one thing is clear: the Leopards are ready to write their next chapter.
🧭 A New Identity on Offense
Gone is the spread system that powered the Leopards behind stars like Caleb Cook, Cooper Brown and Jake Fogerson. In its place? A new philosophy rooted in discipline, toughness, and precision, the Flexbone offense.
New Offensive Coordinator Coach Applewhite, who joined the staff from perennial powerhouse Gunter, brings with him the blueprint for championship success. The Tigers have won five state championships in nine seasons running the Flexbone, and Applewhite’s attention to detail in teaching the system was evident during Wednesday’s workout.
The switch marks a significant shift for New Home, and while it won’t happen overnight, it was clear the players are embracing it. The offense was crisp, efficient, and physical, everything you hope to see in the early stages of installing a system that demands all three.
“You can feel the culture Applewhite is bringing the moment you step on the field. The tempo, the tone, it’s different in the best way.”
👥 New Faces Across the Field
There’s no sugarcoating it: this is a much different Leopard team than the one fans saw last November. The graduating senior class of 2024 was one of the most impactful in program history, Caleb Cook, Ty Dutton, Jake Fogerson, Cooper Brown, Graham Stanford, and Colt Keys are all gone.
Defensively, legendary coordinator Coach Keys has officially retired, and Coach Jess Wall has taken the Athletic Director role at Ira. In their place, Coach McCarty steps in as DC, bringing an infectious intensity that’s already permeating the team culture.
The staff may look different, but the expectations haven’t changed.
🔑 Backfield Built for Punishment
Despite the departures, the Leopards aren’t short on offensive weapons.
In the backfield, Ryder Starkey and Hunter Burrell look like a classic thunder-and-thunder duo, physical runners who aren’t afraid to lower their shoulder and challenge tacklers. Both backs should thrive in the downhill nature of the Flexbone attack.
🧨 Skill Positions Full of Athleticism
At slot and wide receiver, the Leopards boast one of the most athletic position groups in the district.
Colby Cook brings a smooth stride and reliable hands
Parker Liles adds speed and toughness from the slot
Lincoln Preston is a versatile athlete who can make plays in space
While the Flexbone isn't built to air it out 40 times a game, having explosive threats on the outside will force defenses to stay honest and that’s where this group can shine.
🧠 QB1: The Right Fit
Replacing Caleb Cook, a 6'4", 200-pound quarterback with a cannon arm and physical presence is no easy task. But don’t expect a carbon copy under center this season. Brayson Beck brings a different skill set, and in many ways, it might be exactly what the offense needs.
Beck may not tower over defenders, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for in football IQ and quick decision-making. Watching him work within the system, he draws comparisons to past Gunter quarterbacks who led the Tigers to state, like Dylan Tokarz, a 5'9" gamer who stepped in during last year’s playoff run and executed the offense with precision.
“Brayson reminds me of a right-handed Tokarz, gritty, smart, and in command.”
💪 Trench Talk: Offensive Line Stepping Up
No Flexbone offense succeeds without a physical, smart offensive line and the early signs from New Home are promising.
Zack Sellers has added 25+ pounds of mass this offseason and looks the part up front
Haden Brumley is locking down one of the tackle spots with toughness and mobility
Keaton Bullard brings great size and presence inside
Harrison Heatwole is drawing buzz from coaches and teammates alike for his brute strength
One key piece missing is Colt Tucker, last year’s center who transferred to Anna over the summer. Filling that role will be crucial, especially with the demands of the new offense. But if this group continues to progress as they’ve shown in camp, the Leopards’ identity up front could become a real strength.
📅 What’s Next: Red & Black Scrimmage Saturday
While this early look focused on the offensive side of the ball, we’ll be back Saturday for the Red & Black scrimmage where we’ll get a better feel for the defense and see just how much of the new offense has been installed.
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