For the third season in a row, Austin Anderson will be the new head coach.
Just hours after interim head coach Roderick Thompson posted on Twitter that he wanted to stay with the program but not return to the 2022 season, it was announced on Wednesday afternoon that Little Hatcher’s co-defensive coordinator Donald Hatcher would be a Rockdale native. The next head coach of the Trojans.
“It’s a dream come true,” Hatcher said. “Being a head coach has always been my dream. I don’t take it too lightly. I know I will have a lot on my shoulders, but I’m the first for the kids. My goal is to make athletics. As enjoyable as possible for the kids.
Originally from the Austin Anderson area and coaching at the Austin LBJ from 2005-2007, Hatcher has spent his last fourteen seasons in the Dallas area, coaching Dissotto and Little Elm for seven years.
But after fourteen years away, Hatcher said it was time to come home.
“It’s a great area,” Hatcher said. “Everyone in my family loves Austin Anderson. The opportunity to return home has always been my goal and it could be one of the best schools in Central Texas.
On the field, Hatcher must cut his work for him. The Trojans have a great draw in District 26-6A with state power Lake Travis and Westlake, 2021 play-off team dripping springs, Buda Johnson and Austin Bowie and Austin High, Aquinas and Dale Valley.
However, Hatcher is not intimidated after coming from Little Elm, where Lobos had to face Prosper, Allen, and Denton Gair. After knocking out Lobos Prosper 59-56 this past season, Hatcher is confident that his Anderson team will be with them if they come on the field with the right attitude and have some fun.
“On the field, expectations are high,” Hatcher said. “The names of the schools we play in don’t bother me at all. I hope the kids get out there and compete.”
Despite graduating star Colin Page running behind 1,702 rushing yards, 920 receiving yards, and a total of 28 touchdowns in 2021, who is ready to walk the University of Texas, the Trojans are expected to bring back a lot of talent next season.
Quarterback Fred Dale 2,277 passing yards and 17 touchdowns already has two years of starting experience under his belt, while receiver Ed Small had 232 receiving yards and a touchdown a breakout year as a newcomer before a season-ending injury. The fifth game of last season.
Cole Canada has proven to be a force on both sides of the 434 receiving yards and 60 total tackle balls, and the linebacker IV Web 125 has touted the total tackle Trojans as leading tacklers in the fall. Both are set to become part of the Trojans’ senior leadership this coming season.
But after finishing 1-7 in 2020, the Trojans took a step forward last year, ending the season with a wild 68-61 win with a 3-7 record against Leander in the final. Their offense has risen from an average of 19.7 points per game in 2020 to 33.9 points last season.
In 2021, Thompson and his staff praised Hatcher for his work in developing the Trojans.
“I know Austin Anderson’s coaching staff has done a great job this year,” said Hatcher. “I can’t thank them enough for the improvements they’ve made to the program.”
And after coaching the last 14 seasons at just two schools, Hatcher said he hopes to be a Trojan for a long time.
“I’m a very loyal person,” Hatcher said. “I like to go somewhere and do it. I’m not looking for something that will speed up and get to the top. Wherever I go, I want my kids to be in that area and grow up.
