The Brownsville Hanna Golden Eagles are entering a new district this season after dropping from Class 6A to Class 5A.

The move could improve the team's playoff chances, but the Golden Eagles know they still have work to do.

"Last year, of course we were in District 32-6A the last two years, but we were playing with 5A Division II numbers," Brownsville Hanna head football coach Mark Guess said. "Of course now we're in 5A Division I. Making the move from 6A to 5A doesn't necessarily mean it's easier. But it's certainly going to be a good challenge there in the top part of the district all the way down to the bottom. It's gonna be competitive."

Senior quarterback Eli Renteria said the team isn't taking anyone lightly.

"Especially with this new district, we're not gonna underestimate anyone, but we still have high hopes for playoffs this year," Renteria said.

One of the team's biggest strengths heading into the season is its defense. Hanna returns eight starters from last year's squad.

Senior safety and receiver Cesar Villa said the group has been putting in the effort.

"Everyone's been putting in the work, everyone's been coming," Villa said. "We've been hard working in practice. Everyone's dripping in sweat, that's good to see."

Guess said the defense showed toughness all of last season.

"Game in, game out last year they played tough," Guess said. "They never got their heads down they just kept putting their nose down and kept grinding away."

Hanna opens the season against Edinburg in Week 1, then faces Sharyland in Week 2 and Edinburg North in Week 3. Brownsville Veterans closes out the non-district schedule.

District play begins against Corpus Christi Veterans, followed by Harlingen South. The Golden Eagles have a bye in Week 7 before taking on Weslaco East in Week 8, Corpus Christi Carroll in Week 9 and Flour Bluff in Week 10. The regular season wraps up with a rivalry matchup against Rivera.