Hudson

By Izzy Gould
Published August 31, 2007

The Beast

Hudson's mindset starts and stop with Travis "The Beast" Tindell. He could bench two of his linemen without breaking a sweat. He's got the skills. He's the soul of a defense and voice of the Cobras. He's also a three-year starter. His lone drawback is lack of height, standing a mere 5-9. "You couldn't ask for a kid with better character and integrity," coach Mark Nash said. "You'd want you daughter to marry this kid."

The "10-3 team"

Nash sometimes references the 2005 club that reached the Class 3A region final and won its first and second playoff games in school history, finishing 10-3, also a program best. "I don't always want to refer to 2005 because that year is gone. But it was a landmark for our program and everything is measured to that team in our program." Maybe some coaches will quiver to hear Nash say this 2007 club is bigger and faster. The difference, he said, is this group doesn't have the experience the '05s had. They'll get a shot right from the start to see how good this group is with a game against preseason favorite Ridgewood.

The Wynn factor

Nash said the coaching staff feels like sophomore quarterback Zack Wynn (6-2, 175 pounds) has been on campus forever. Sometimes they lose sight of the fact he is only a sophomore. That said, Wynn is bigger, stronger and faster than in the spring. The benefit of being a second-year starter is that Wynn can pick up defenses. "Now he knows the difference between a Cover Two and a Cover Three. "Every characteristic that would be involved in his game he has improved," Nash said. "He hasn't even walked through the halls as a sophomore. In our eyes he's like a senior."

Hudson's thoroughbreds

Nash expects Georgia transfer Sean Scott to stand out, stepping into the No. 1 role as a running back. JoJo Cimino and Dylan Luke also will see time. "When I came to Hudson I never thought we'd have the running backs that we have," Nash said.

Five to watch

1. Tindell, Sr., OL/DL

He's strong and athletic as proven by his top-five finish at state wrestling and top-10 finish in weightlifting. "He's just a freak," Nash said.

2. Tony Termano, Sr., WR/DB

He's got sprinter speed and athleticism.

3. Sean Scott, Sr., RB

A transfer from Georgia with plenty of striking speed and size.

4. Lance Moore, Sr., OL/DL

A three-year starter with the brains of a Jeopardy contestant and leadership skills of a general.

5. Paul James, Sr., OL/LB

So intense they keep him in a cage before games. "He's one of the most intense kids I've ever coached," Nash said.

Izzy Gould, Times staff writer

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 13:57:21]