Seven Lakes went through some growing pains last season.

With a young and inexperienced team the Spartans battled but were unable to meet their goals, staying in games but going 1-7 in a tough District 19-6A.

But while it was a tough season there were positive signs for the team to take as well. The team averaged over 100 yards rushing per game, quarterback Shaan Patel showed some really strong potential in his sophomore season and some young defensive players made an impact for a team that had its ups and downs throughout the season. 

“Last year really motivated these guys I think,” said Seven Lakes head coach Jimmy Hamon. “We had so many young guys playing significant roles on the varsity last year and it really gave them a good taste of what it takes to be successful on Friday nights, now they’ve really pushed themselves through the spring because they know what they’re getting themselves into now. There’s no wide eyes now. These guys are prepared and have been great all spring and offseason.”

But that youth and inexperience will be less of an issue this year. The Spartans return more lettermen than they lost last season and return seven starters on offense and eight on defense. 

Offensively, Seven Lakes will have weapons all around the field. Peter Noonan is one of the best tight ends in the area and Ryan Fowler showed very strong flashes in his sophomore season and will be expected to take on a bigger role this year. Patel continued to show strong improvements throughout the spring and summer and the offensive line should be a strong point of the team this year. 

“Shaan, Ryan and Peter really started to show in seven on seven that chemistry and their rapport,” Hamon said. “Shaan really has improved dramatically this offseason after starting 10 games last year and learning as a sophomore and the key thing with Ryan and Peter is we have a great tight end that can handle the middle and the intermediate routes and then a receiver that makes you respect us down the field with his speed. That will help the whole offense.”

On defense, Amani Hooks is the leader of the team and will be tasked with a lot in his senior season. He’s joined at linebacker by Justin Fowler, who had an excellent junior season and should be a big impact player. Like the offense, the defensive line should be strong, and Hamon likes what he’s seen from the secondary, which he thinks is improved and very versatile this year with a number of players who could contribute.

“Justin and Amani are just absolutely huge for us,” Hamon said. “Justin has had such a great spring and summer and has really stepped up and proven himself as a leader. Amani is going to be a three year starter, and they just have a way to talking and explaining things to a defense like a coach. They both demand respect and are going to be big contributors for us. It’s not just what they can do physically, but getting everyone else in the right spot and being those leaders on and off the field.”

Seven Lakes will open the season against Memorial for the seventh straight year in a game that has been decided by one score each of the seven years. They will close out non-district against Richmond Foster and will be all the preparation the Spartans get before they get thrown into the gauntlet of District 19-6A. The Spartans will face Cinco Ranch first before facing three of last year's playoff teams in a row after that in Katy, Taylor and Jordan. Hamon knows that there will be no time to get up to speed for the players once district hits, and the team is focused on making sure every fundamental is down early in the season.

“It’s so important to start off the season strong and be ready for district because it’s here in a snap,” Hamon said. “There’s no let up in this district and it’s going to be so important to be ready for that first district game against Cinco. It’s not just a rivalry game, it will be a critical game for us as well. There’s no room for error or trying to figure out as you go. Every team that week play from week three to week 11 is going to give you a well-coached and disciplined football team.”