On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Mount Pleasant Tigers head football coach Joe Cluley joins the show to preview the upcoming season as the Tigers build on a breakthrough year.

Mount Pleasant is coming off a 5-7 season that included the program’s first playoff victory in 27 years. Coach Cluley reflects on last year’s difficult but valuable schedule, close losses to teams like Lindale and Marshall, and a major road playoff win over Montgomery. He explains how facing quality opponents helped the Tigers learn what championship-level football looks like after their season ended against eventual state champion South Oak Cliff.

The Tigers return an experienced roster, including nearly 30 seniors, six offensive starters, and eight defensive starters. Coach Cluley discusses the team’s maturity, strong offseason buy-in, and why having players who understand the daily practice standard is so valuable.

The conversation also breaks down Mount Pleasant’s roster, including young quarterback Heston Horn, running back Brandon McCoo, returning receivers Jaden Lohan and Terrance Beard, a more experienced offensive line led by Landon Cheatham, and a talented defense featuring Nehemiah “Nemo” Savage, Lincoln Dike, Brandon McCoo, and several returning all-district defensive backs.

Coach Cluley previews a challenging 5A Division II district featuring Hallsville, Marshall, Nacogdoches, Whitehouse, Greenville, Terrell, Texas High, and Mount Pleasant. He also explains why the Tigers’ preseason scrimmage against Pleasant Grove matters—not because of the score, but because of the chance to evaluate players in important game situations.

The episode also recognizes the memory of Mount Pleasant player Gavin Brooks, who tragically passed away alongside his sister in a car accident. Coach Cluley shares how Gavin’s teammates, family, school, and the East Texas football community have rallied around the Brooks family. The Tigers will honor Gavin throughout the season, including carrying his jersey with the team captains before games.

Mount Pleasant enters the year with experience, belief, and a clear focus: improve every day, play for one another, and carry Gavin’s memory with them every Friday night.