Haltom is looking to bounce backbrfrom a tough 3-7 season in 2013. But it's hard to find reason for optimism.brHaltom was gutted by the loss of 33 lettermen and returns just two starters onbroffense and four on defense. In fact, the Buffalos bring back a mere 13brlettermen. Simply put, head coach Jason Tucker has his work cut out for him inbrwhat should be a rebuilding year for the Buffalos. If Haltom is going tobrsurprise, it will need to rely on its defense to make stops and forcebrturnovers. That's obviously easier said than done, but the Buffalos do havebrsome potential on that side of the ball. Tucker has high expectations forbrdefensive linemen Jaylan Cruz, a second team all-district pick, Joseph Banksbrand Tyree Smith, and underclassmen linebackers Deonta Cooksey and Gavin Ricksbrhave upside for the future. As mentioned, the offense will be extremelybrinexperienced. Senior quarterback Joey Optiz must step up as a leader and dobreverything in his power to get the ball into the hands of playmaking do-it-allbrathlete Dandre Reed.