The 2025 season brings new beginnings and a return of a familiar face for the Redhawks football team.

Chip Gregory takes over as head coach after Matt Swinnea’s retirement, with his first game coming Friday at 7 p.m. when the Redhawks face off against Lebanon Trail in a tropical-themed non-district contest at Kuykendall Stadium.

“We’re feeling confident about the match and are excited to showcase our skills,” Gregory said. “The biggest challenge is focusing on our game plan and staying focused to overcome any obstacles, [so] we’re still working on fine-tuning our plays, improving our accuracy, and enhancing our defensive strategies.”

Hoping to help reach these goals is three-star Washington State pledge, senior wide receiver Matthew McClain. After playing his last two years at Plano Prestonwood Christian Academy, McClain returns to The Nest and could be a key player to watch.

“Since my freshman year, the culture has changed,” McClain said. “I feel like coach Chip just brings a whole new vibe to the team and a whole new energy, we’’ definitely carry that into the season and help us win our games. I think the thing that I’ll bring back from Prestonwood is definitely the discipline that we had, everybody held himself to a higher standard and the discipline and accountability that you have will help better the team.”

Senior defensive end and tackle Tanush Verma still remembers last year’s 34-11 loss to the Trail Blazers, and has one goal for the game.

We’re playing a familiar opponent,” Verma said. “We need to make it memorable.”