Ron Counter finally feels comfortable heading into a season with who he has at quarterback.

Despite having two players competing for the position, Counter loves what he has seen from those candidates throughout the spring and summer.

“Both Josh Johnson and Mike Gerald have looked really good for us,” Counter said. “We have what I think are two really good quarterbacks. They can both run and throw and they’re both really smart. We are probably in the best shape we have ever been in my four years at Morton Ranch at the quarterback position.”

Johnson, a junior, and Gerald, a sophomore who will also play some at receiver, have pushed each other throughout the spring and summer. With both practicing for the quarterback position, they’ve been able to help one another get better in that key role.

“They push each other but they also get along well,” Counter said. “Both of them are willing to do different things. Gerald plays some receiver, and Josh was wanting to play receiver over the summer when we would use Gerald at quarterback in 7-on-7. They’re just two great kids and it’s great to see.”

The Mavericks have finished fifth, one spot short of the playoffs each of the past two years. Morton Ranch lost two games on the final plays of games, something that Counter had never experienced before in his 33 years of coaching.

“That’s the first time I’ve been on a staff where we lost two games literally on the last play of the game,” Counter said. “Those are heartbreaking, but I think the guys have learned from it and hopefully if we get into some close games this year, we can turn that into a win.”

Cinco Ranch returns six starters on offense and five on defense. Giving the Mavericks experienced options on both sides of the ball.

“We feel really good about what we have on offense,” Counter said. “With what we have at quarterback and our experience on the offensive line and at running back. We really feel like we could be special there. On defense though we are a little thin. We’re the school with the smallest enrollment at Katy ISD and we have some really good players, we just don’t have a lot of depth.”

Karsten Christopher, Jr. and Benen Lee have been selected as team captains and have stepped up into leadership roles as incoming seniors.

Zachary Sessions and Jakobe Hinton will be counted on within the offensive line to lead the way while Alexis Lima Kijuan Tavarez will help anchor the defense.

Ryan Hall and Dean Ford have impressed heading into their sophomore years and J. J. Arriaga brings consistency to the teams kicking game.

The Mavericks will open the season against Cy-Lakes on Aug. 28 and will face katy Taylor in their district opener on Sept. 24.

“It’s an exciting time and we’re just ready to get going,” Counter said. “We’ve been competing and been in the hunt for a playoff spot these past two years. Hopefully we can make that jump this year and find a way to get into that three of four spot.”