Henderson Lions embrace tradition as they enter year two under Clay Baker

HENDERSON, Texas ( KETK ) — The Henderson Lions will be embracing their school colors this season.

Gone are the silver helmets, and instead, they will be wearing blue, with red facemasks.

But this change in Henderson is more than just cosmetic.

“We wanted to bring that back, we thought the kids might be excited about it too, it gives them a little bit of a change and lets them know it’s kind of a new identity here that we’re turning things over, and it’s our team now,” said head coach Clay baker.

While the helmets might have changed, Baker, a Henderson alum himself, has brought some former Lions to his staff, including former Baylor and Chicago Bear, Trestan Ebner.

“To see that the community is still showing love, coach Baker said we would really like to have you, and I jumped won’t the opportunity man, and it’s the best decision I’ve made,” said Ebner.

“We wanted some guys that know the tradition here, Henderson has a rich tradition when it comes to football in East Texas and we wanted guys who were familiar with that, used to the expectations,” said Baker.

Henderson has a historical foundation, led by faces of the past, with a team hungry to write their own story.

“They understand what we’re going through, and they understand the tradition that they want, to get back to winning like we used to,” said running back Jesstin Starling. “Show people that we can still compete.”

“We’re proving that we’re not just the ‘Losing Lions’ like they said last year, we’re going to come back and dominate,” said offensive lineman Jonathan Bateman.

“Excited about it, our kids have really put in the time, put in the effort, so you know, now is the time to get to go out there and have some fun,” said Baker.

Embracing tradition, and building toward the future, with the next generation of Lions.

Henderson will open the regular season at home against Athens on August 30th at 7:30 p.m.

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