A culture of success isn’t built overnight.

And that culture doesn’t just go away because of the graduation of a senior class. A point that this year’s Taylor Mustangs are out to prove.

“I’ve learned that words coming from outside are just words, they don’t mean anything,” said senior defensive back Hollis Robinson Jr. They’ve doubted us before. Before my sophomore year they did it, junior year they did it, they’re going to do it this year and next year again. We’re used to it and it doesn’t affect us.”

The Mustangs return four starters on both offense and defense to a team that went four rounds into the Class 6A, Div. II playoffs and will look to build on the success of past years.

Taylor returned to the field last week for its first week of practice, capping it off with a intersquad scrimmage Saturday.

“I was so excited to compete against someone in that atmosphere again,” said senior running back Tyler Irving. “I was so tired of 7-on-7. Getting on those pads felt good.”

Both Robinson and Irving know what it takes to succeed in this district and in the playoffs, having been a part of two runs in the past two years, and they think having that experience is key.

“It helps us a lot having gone through that and knowing what we need to do and what other teams are doing as well,” Irving said. “We’re going in there already knowing what to expect and the level of intensity that teams bring to the playoffs, so we’re trying to match that intensity from the first day of practice and bring that every day and raise that to a new level.”

Robinson Jr. is a three year starter in the secondary and has brought stability to the position.

As one of the most experienced players on the team, Robinson Jr. has become a leader for the team and hopes to teach the younger players what the graduated seniors of the past two years have taught him.

“I knew most of those guys who have come through the program as a three-year starter,” Jefferson said. “I saw what they did to get to the Division I level and I try to be like that because that’s what I want too. Now I get to play with the guys I grew up with and it’s just right that I get to lead and them as someone who has the experience at this level and win some games with a them.”

As the team gets closer to the season, the main goal is to get younger and less experienced guys ready and continue to find ways to give the Mustangs a better chance at getting back to the playoffs once again.

“Every time we come out here it’s with a sharp focus and we know what we have to do,” Irving said. “We have a goal and we just want to get closer and closer to that everyday and be prepared for whatever the season throws at us.”