(WLOS) Bobby James took over the East Henderson football program mid-summer in 2021. It wasn't the ideal time for a regime change; due to COVID the NCHSAA decided to cram two football seasons into one calendar year, spring sports were just wrapping up, and he was taking over a team in desperate need of hope.

"Coming into the program late last year, what we were looking for was to develop a culture," explained James. "I've been very fortunate to have Principal Scott understand, because he has been a coach, and understand what it takes to build a culture and that's what we're trying to do."

The first campaign resulted in a 1-8 record. Now for the positives.

The Eagles return Joe Justus at quarterback as well as leading rusher Marcus McCarson. Every player that caught a pass in the fall of 2021 is back. So are the six leading tacklers on defense.

"I just think you're going to see guys who are bigger, faster, and stronger than they were last year," said James. "We're executing better because we have a year under our belts."

The Eagles open the 2022 season with Rosman on August 19th.