Byron Nelson High School is a 6A classification by the University Interscholastic League. The school is located in a suburb in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex called Trophy Club. It is one of the newer schools in the area opening back in 2009. The football team plays at Northwest ISD Stadium which is shared by three high schools in the school district. Byron Nelson, Northwest, and the newest addition of Eaton. The Bobcats are looking to make a statement this year by winning a district title for the school. They fell just short of their goal this past season finishing second in the district behind Southlake Carroll. The defense is bringing back eight starters from last season. While, the offense is having to replace four key starters including the quarterback and receiver position. “We want to be a state championship football team”- Coach Pride. The team thinks they have the pieces to make the next step this upcoming fall.
Entering his eighth season as the Head Coach for the Bobcats is Travis Pride. He is only the second coach ever at Byron Nelson. He has made coaching stops at the high school and college level. He has coached at both the University of Wyoming and University of Houston before going back to coaching high school football. The Defensive Coordinator for the Bobcats is Zach Woodward. He has coached with Coach Pride for 14 seasons. The mind of one of the best offenses in the district this past season is Hunter Hughes. He started out on the staff as the receivers coach before being promoted to Offensive Coordinator. Coach Pride is very high on his staff. They are good at what they do, love the kids, and hold the kids accountable.
Here are some of the returners for the Bobcats this upcoming season.
David Kabongo is a 6’0 180 pound safety entering his Senior season at Byron Nelson. He is coming off a 1st team All-District this past season. The safety will end up being a three year starter for the Bobcats. A very fast and physical kid that is a tackling machine. He currently holds offers from Oklahoma State, Indiana, Utah State, and others.
Eze Osondu is a 6’3 215 pound athlete who plays both linebacker and defensive end for the Bobcats. A long and fast player that is one of the big leaders for this football team. The opposing offenses needs to know where #6 is at all times. He had seven sacks this past season for the team. His recruitment has been heating up recently picking up offers that include the University of Miami(OH).
Ashton Williams is a 6’1 195 pound athlete that will be another Senior in this loaded class. He is your hybrid player that has the ability to play safety and linebacker for the defense. The sideline to sideline speed and tackling ability makes him a valuable piece to the defense this upcoming fall. He currently holds offers from Colorado, SMU, Texas Tech, and others.
Tom Von Grote is a 6’3 195 pound quarterback who is projected to take over the offense this upcoming season. He will be a first year starter for the Bobcats after former quarterback Jake Wilson is heading to the next level. A kid that can do it both with his arm and legs. He is a dangerous quarterback when he gets out of the pocket and has the ability to show off his athletic ability.
