The 22nd annual Taco Shack Bowl is approaching rapidly. The Anderson Trojans will be competing against the McCallum Knights this Thursday the 24th at 7:30. It is indeed the battle of northwest Austin.
Ed Small is a newly chosen captain and has been playing in the Taco Shack Bowl since his freshman year. In the 2021 game, Small had 6 catches for 71 receiving yards. While in the 2022 game, he hauled 73 receiving yards and 2 receiving touchdowns, as the Trojans’ number-one wideout.
“I think we are going to come out with energy and win the game.”
– Ed Small, Junior WR
A few weeks ago Anderson played in their first scrimmage of the season. Small told me that “the scrimmage went well. We started off a little slow but then got it going towards the end.” He believes that when the Trojans run out on the field they are going to come out on top because of the energy, passion, and determination the guys have for the game. When asked about the match-up with McCallum he seemed confident in his assertion that he is a part of a strong team. It may seem cliche but practice truly does make perfect. Small believes that the team’s efforts in practice have translated to team chemistry near all-time highs. This chemistry turned into high-quality play across all position groups during a recent scrimmage. The team this season is filled with underclassmen who will play a crucial role in leading the Trojans toward many accomplishments this year. “So many sophomores are going to play a huge part in our success this year because so many of them are playing, they are ready though,” Ed said.
Ed’s hard work both on and off the field has not gone unnoticed as he is a captain for the 2023 season. Historically speaking captains are seniors, but as a junior Ed is undoubtedly worthy of the honor. As a captain, he will be playing a large leadership role and will be serving as a mentor to the next generation of great Trojan football players. In fact, his efforts in practice are starting to be replicated by underclassmen on the varsity roster. The younger receivers are mimicking his routes, observing his footwork, and spending extra time in the weight room.
When the season’s all said and done Ed Small hopes to add to both his personal trophy case and that of the teams. His biggest personal goal is to get first-team all-district, but before that can be done he wants to take down McCallum and come out on top at Taco Shack.
Good article
Go Trojans!
Great reporting, Carly!