The SportsHub 2023

Year one success for Texas Tech Head Coach Joey McGuire heightens expectations for program, has West Texas in we can win frenzy!

TexasTech and high school coverage

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Premier city school volleyball preview

PAGES 50-57

A GUIDE TO COLLEGE & HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL IN THE LUBBOCK AREA

A product of Ola Media Group presented by Fused Graphics

You’ve heard it more than once: It’s that special time of year.

A time when young athletes go about the serious business of representing their communities and schools, a time when optimism holds sway, a time when everyone, everywhere is undefeated.

The new school year has just begun, which means it’s time to turn the page on what was and look toward what might be. In the pages of this publication, we offer you a look at the coming attractions for local high school football and volleyball teams.

This magazine is the culmination of a lot of work, a lot of cooperation and a lot of collaboration. It is, we hope, a reflection of the real importance of high school athletics, a place where devoted coaches work not only to build winning teams, but winning people.

Sports is a place where lots of life lessons are learned. Young people are taught what it means to be part of a team, to put their trust in others and work toward a goal larger than themselves. It’s where they are taught how to handle winning and losing with grace and aplomb. We would also be remiss if we didn’t give a shout-out to all of those who make high school sports the great thing it is – assistant coaches, support staff, managers, cheerleaders, bands, fans and everyone else.

Throughout the area over the next few months, the lights of stadiums and gymnasiums will pulse with life as these athletes compete and do their absolute best each and every time out to be a solid representative of their communities, which work so hard to demonstrate their support and provide encouragement throughout the school year.

For as long as we can remember, one of the early highlights of the school athletic year is the opportunity to preview local teams, hear from high school coaches and point out some of the athletes who will play important roles this season.

But it is also more than that. It is the chance to remind everyone that the calendar has once again reset. That the warm evenings of August and its accompanying Friday night lights will soon be replaced by the sound of basketballs dribbling and even later by the sounds of baseball, golf, tennis and track next spring.

And it will fly by quicker than we like or realize.

For many years, we have had the privilege of hearing and sharing the stories of high school coaches and athletes. It is a privilege built on years of experience and relationship-building. It is not something we take lightly.

We appreciate all of the coaches who have shared their time with us over the past few weeks. Likewise, we appreciate the chance to pull all of those details together into one convenient place for you to read and enjoy as another season unfolds.

There will always be something special about high school athletics. Coaches are in it for the right reason. Athletes participate for no other reason than their love of the game. Despite the changes that have come and will come, there remains a certain purity about high school sports that we enjoy.

As a new season dawns, we wish every program the best. We understand that not every team’s ultimate aspiration of a state championship will come true, but we hope in some ways that every team’s season is their best one yet – in ways beyond wins and losses.

Thank you for reading, and we’ll see you out there – on the field and in the stands.

Texas Tech Red Raiders Pages 4-11

Frenship Tigers Pages 12-15

Coronado Mustangs Pages 16-19

Monterey Plainsmen Pages 20-23

Lubbock High Westerners Pages 24-27

Cooper Pirates Pages 28-31

Estacado Matadors Pages 32-35

Brownfield Cubs Pages 36-37

Levelland Lobos Pages 38-39

Littlefield Wildcats Pages 42-43

Plainview Bulldogs Pages 44-45

Cooper Lady Pirates Page 50

Coronado Lady Mustangs Page 51

Estacado Lady Mats Page 52

Frenship Lady Tigers Page 53

Monterey Lady Plainsmen Page 54

Lubbock High Lady Westerners Page 55

Lubbock Christian Lady Eagles Pag 56

Trinity Christian Lady Lions Page 57

Shallowater Mustangs Page 60-61

Lamesa Golden Tornados Pages 64-65

Idalou Wildcats Page 66-67

New Deal Lions Pages 68-69

Abernathy Antelopes Pages 70-71

Slaton Tigers Pages 72-73

Tyler Madsen Kicker Feature Pages 74-75

Roosevelt Eagles Pages 76-77

Post Antelopes Page 78-79

Trinity Christian Lions Page 82-83

Lubbock Christian Eagles Page 86-87

New Home Leopards Page 88-89

Inside : The Team:

Publisher/Designer - Joe L. Landin

Writer/Editor - Doug Hensley

Writer/Editor - Randy Rosetta, hubcitysports.com

Photography - Ola Media

Photo Contributor - Texas Tech University Athletics

Design/Production - Erika Lugo

Printing - Fused Graphics Group

BY DOUG HENSLEY

Photos courtesy of Texas Tech Athletics

Pure magic.

That may be the best way to describe Texas Tech’s 2022 football season. Joey McGuire, the Red Raiders’ all-in head coach, took over a program struggling to find its place in the Big 12 Conference. Expectations were muted, but McGuire brought unbridled confidence and contagious enthusiasm with him to West Texas. And sometimes, funny things happen over the course of a football season.

“I’m glad we have the expectations we have this year,”

McGuire said recently. “I would always rather be on that end. We still have a lot of work to do.”

That may be true, but McGuire led the Red Raiders to a season to remember last year. The team finished 8-5 overall, ending the year with a four-game winning streak and

aconvincing 42-25 Texas Bowl victory over Mississippi. The Raiders won five Big 12 games in a season for the first time since 2009, the last year the late Mike Leach patrolled the sidelines at Texas Tech. Topping it off, the Raiders defeated Texas and Oklahoma in the same season for the first time ever, winning both by virtue of field goals in overtime.

Not bad for a team projected in the preseason poll to finish ninth in the 10-team league.

“Whatever we ask the guys to do, they are going to do it at a high level,” McGuire said. “We’re seeing the benefits of that. They trust what we’re doing, but I also want them to have trust even when they can’t totally understand what’s going on. If they do trust us and what we’re doing, we have a great opportunity to have a lot of success.”

That’s what is now in front of the Red Raiders –the opportunity to prove that last year was only the beginning of a new stretch of Texas Tech competitiveness. It couldn’t come at a better moment as the Big 12 expands to 14 teams this season before bidding farewell to the Longhorns and Sooners, two original conference members moving on to the Southeastern Conference in 2024.

“It’s a tough, tough league, and everybody isn’t playing everybody this season,” McGuire said, “so it’s going to be really interesting to see how everything goes. We have a tough schedule, a schedule that we know we’re going to get tested every week.”

The league welcomes new members Brigham Young, Central Florida, Cincinnati and Houston, meaning the Big 12 will be deeper and more bruising than ever. Expansion forced league officials to be creative with scheduling in this transition year. The Red Raiders will face three of the newcomers (BYU,

Tyler Shough is back for another year as quarterback of the Red Raiders. For Shough, it’s the third year at the offensive controls and is one of many experienced players returning to Texas Tech , which is hoping to build on last year’s successful season.

Shough’n it!

CONTINUED from page 5

Central Florida and Houston), but will not have Oklahoma on the schedule for the first time since the Big 12 launched in the aftermath of the Big 8-Southwest Conference merger in 1996. “It’s a really tough conference, no doubt,” McGuire said. “No one should surprise anyone because whenever I turn on tape, I see good football, and I’m not surprised people are winning.

You shouldn’t be able to sneak up on anybody.” That should be especially true for Texas Tech, which has received more preseason notice than any time in the past decade. For some, the Red Raiders are even a trendy pick to win the league title this season.

“We’re going to fight our tails off to live up the expectations we have created for ourselves,” McGuire said. “I believe these guys understand what it will take to get where we need to be.

That’s part of my job, and I feel like we’re good enough to win the Big 12, but I expected us to win last year, so I wasn’t surprised.” Texas Tech’s offensive attack clicked under the watchful eye of Zach Kittley, averaging more than 34 points and 460 yards per game last season. Quarterback Tyler Shough (1,300 passing yards in seven games last year) is back to direct the offense, giving the Red Raiders a dynamic, experienced leader at the controls. The key is staying injury-free, although Texas Tech has a proven commodity handy in Behren

Morton (1,100 yards, nine games). Jerand Brandley and Myles Price each had 51 receptions last year, while Xavier White added 45, leading a deep and experienced group of receivers. Likewise, Tech has talent at tight end in Baylor Cupp and Mason Tharp. The Red Raiders were successful last season because their attack was fairly balanced, thanks to Tahj Brooks, who had 681 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, but the offense needs to find someone else to help offset the loss of SaRodorick Thompson.

The biggest question mark may be the offensive line, which struggled to find a consistent rhythm last season, in part because of injuries. It will be the one area to keep a close eye on throughout the season.

“We have 18 starters coming back from the bowl game, and our strength is

Running back Tahj Brooks, left, and receiver Jerand Bradley are two offensive threats the Red Raiders will be relying on this season and are among a cast of experienced players back for another season.

DEFENSE - TWO-DEEP

6:00 PM

Sat, Sep 23 West Virginia* TBD

Sat, Sep 30 Houston * TBD

SAT, OCT 7 BAYLOR* TBD

SAT, OCT 14 KANSAS STATE* TBD

Sat, Oct 21 BYU* TBD

THU, NOV 2 TCU* 6:00 PM

Sat, Nov 11 Kansas TBD

SAT, NOV 18 UCF* TBD

Fri, Nov 24 Texas 6:30 PM

*Denotes Big 12 Conference Game

CONTINUED

from page 7

that we are an old team with a lot of snaps,” McGuire said. “When you look at the guys we have back and the guys we added, there’s not a position not one single starter has never started in a college football game. The majority of them have started in a Texas Tech uniform in a Big 12 game and a bowl game against Ole Miss. That’s a lot of experience and a lot of games played.” Defensively, the Raiders will have to replace Tyree Wilson, the talented defensive end who was a first-round pick of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders. Tony Bradford and Jaylon Hutchings lead a group of experienced players up front. The linebacking corps will also feature new faces with Jesiah Pierre expected to play a big role.

“We lost two starting inside linebackers, but we have three guys back who have played,” McGuire said. “They haven’t played a ton at inside linebacker, but they

CJ Ah You Outside Linebackers

Tim DeRuyter Defensive Coordinator

Josh Bookbinder Inside Linebackers

Zarnell Fitch Defensive Line

Marcel Yates Defensive Backs

are talented, and we have four of five back in the secondary and we added a kid out of the transfer portal who started at San Diego State (C.J. Baskerville) last year.

“Everyone is back on the defensive line minus one guy. Forus, it’s really inside linebacker that is the youngest group, guys who just have not played as many games as everybody else.”

The bright spot is the secondary, where talented veteran players rule the day. Dadrion Taylor-Demberson, who had three interceptions, is back at safety while Tyler Owens should patrol the other safety. Rayshad Williams and Malik Dunlap are also back at cornerback.

It’s a completely different scenario entering the 2023 season compared to a year ago, but that’s just fine with McGuire.

“We talk about this all the time,” he said. “My job is to accelerate the process without cheating the process. The first thing year one is to learn the brand and style of play as far as this is who we are. Year two, you should be living it as far as knowing what is expected of you, and year three, you should defend it as a way of life.

“My job is to speed the process up, and there is no easy way around putting in the work. Football is a tough sport. You have to put in the work because there are no easy days. For me, and I’m not trying to be arrogant, I think we have a brandnew identity, a brand of football that you know is exciting where we’re trying to establish, the toughest, hardest-working, most competitive team in the country. That’s the expectation, and that’s our brand of football.”

A core of veteran standouts are back for another year in the Red Raider defense, including senior cornerback Malik Dunlap, left, and defensive tackle Tony Bradford.

Leyton Strone WR/DB Jr.

Colton Holland WR/DB Jr.

Caydin Blakely WR/DL Sr.

Marquis Tennison RB/LB So.

Jordan Hernandez RB/LB Jr.

Santiago Sanchez WR/DB Sr.

Ethan Turner WR/DB Jr.

Hunter Hicks WR/DB Jr.

Dylan Rosemond WR/DB Jr.

Noah Lopez RB/LB So.

Jaxon Wright WR/DB Jr.

Kaden Harris WR/DB Jr.

Ryan Mongelli WR/LB So.

Isaiah Pineda RB/LB Jr.

Jacob Bankston WR/DE Sr.

Sean Delarosa WR/DB Jr.

Cooper Archer WR/DB Sr.

Luke Cortez RB/LB Sr.

Aroth Villareal K/P Sr.

Hudson Page WR/DL So.

Randin Covarrubio WR/DB So.

Ryan Sandong WR/DB Sr.

Tucker Thompson OL/LB Sr.

Aidan Dillon WR/DB Sr.

Jaden Tackett RB/LB Sr.

Shane Beck RB/LB Sr.

Noah Gonzales WR/DB Sr.

Jaylen Cornish RB/LB Sr.

Saul Trevino OL/LB Jr.

Mederrick Harper OL/DL Sr.

Nijole Rodriguez OL/DL Sr.

Riley Metcalf OL/DL Sr.

Jadon Rodriguez RB/DL Jr.

Grayson Page OL/DL Jr.

Caden Spano OL/DL Sr.

Brooks Franklin OL/DL Sr.

Diego Mendoza OL/DL Jr.

Miguel Hernandez OL/Dl Sr.

Michael Martin OL/DL Jr.

Taouma Sapa OL/DL Sr.

Tyson York OL/DL Sr.

Eli Hicks OL/DL Sr.

Rafael Acosta OL/DL Sr.

Estevan Aguilar OL/DL Sr.

Jake Sowder OL/DL Sr.

Jayden Johns OL/DL Sr.

Zane Cobb OL/DL Jr.

Greyson Pelsor OL/DL Sr.

Leland Revilla OL/DL Jr.

Braden Anderson WR/DB So.

Andrew Cox K/P Jr.

Hayden Wilson WR/DB So.

Nathan Harrison WR/DB Sr.

Christopher Duran WR/DB Sr.

Dane Arp WR/DB Jr.

Jaden Perez WR/DB Sr.

Noah Roger WR/DB Jr.

Sam Odom RB/DL Sr.

BY RANDY ROSETTA

Photography by The Ola Media Group

Climbing back to respectability isn’t a simple task in 6A football, so once a team has made that journey, there is a natural reaction to exhale, celebrate and maybe even let up.

Thing is, if that journey isn’t complete, there isn’t a lot of time for any of that. Frenship’s progress from a winless campaign in 2017 to last season, when the Tigers notched a 9-3 mark and claimed a share of the District 2-6A championship for the first time, has been an impressive revival to be sure. But there is still some headroom to get better as far as the Tigers are concerned, and with a team loaded with experienced veterans, there is plenty of fuel for the highest expectations in Jay Northcutt’s

Tigers not short on targets as offense takes to the air Frenship Think

seven seasons.

“We were a young team overall last year, so were returning a lot of guys on both sides of the ball, and thats a big reason for the expectations,” Northcutt said. “This last couple of classes of players have done nothing but win at the sub-varsity levels, and that’s created some success. Now they really want to build off our season from last year.” Even with some sturdy building blocks in place, though, the 2023 Tigers have a tough act to follow.

On the way to its best season since 2014, Frenship mastered the art of finding ways to win and showed versatility along the way,

with an offense that could match blows with anybody and a defense that showed a knack for rising to the occasion when needed. Now, most of the leading men are back from that team and that has fueled that high level of optimism.

Leading the charge is a three-headed monster on offense, with one other veteran who could re-emerge after a season off the radar and two dynamic underclassmen. Quarterback Hudson Hutcheson racked up huge numbers as a junior, throwing for a single-season school-record 3,742 yards with 36 touchdowns, to go with 497 yards on the ground with 11 scores. His 311.8 passing yards per game is the most for a returning QB in Class 6A in the state of Texas.

“He;s a guy that plays with a lot of passion, and he got better and

better every week last year,” Northcutt said. “He’s relentlessly working on his craft, and I think that really shows for him, and then that rubs off on his teammates. He just has a skill for putting all that together when the bullets are flying.”

Hutcheson won’t have to look far to find familiar faces on offense. His cousin Landon Hutcheson is back as a hybrid weapon after racking up 1,394 total yards – buoyed by a school-record 98 receptions – and 12 TDs. Leyton Stone broke onto the scene in style as a receiver with 64 catches for 1,177 yards and 14 scores as a sophomore. And Brooks Roberson, who was Frenship’s leading receiver in 2021, is poised to re-emerge in a more prominent role.

Two wildcards to keep an eye on when the ball starts flying will be junior Maverick Allen and sophomore Chase Campbell, the Tigers’ most

#5 - Landon Hutcheson,#17Leyton Stone and #8 - Brooks Roberson look to once gain dominate on offense for a Frenship team that saw its best season since 2014.

we will Pass

CONTINUED from page

dynamic athletes along with Stone.

“We have a lot of different options on ofense – maybe even a few more wrinkles than we did last year,” Northcutt said.

“Those guys that were out there last season obviously have a lot of confidence, and we feel real good about what some of the younger guys stepping in can add.” There is also plenty of that confidence to go around on the offensive line as well, and for good reason.

Frenship has to replace Isaiah Kema, a dominant force for three seasons up front who is now at Oklahoma State, but four full- time starters are back along with a fifth who got meaningful playing time before an injuryhalted his season.

The veteran quartet is Greyson Pelsor at left tackle, Grayson Page at center, Eli Hicks at right guard and Jake Sowder at right tackle. Rafel Acosta slides into the fifth spot at left guard.

“I think the culture of any team runs through your offensive line because it just takes a special type of kid to play on the o-line, and having four of those guys return that went through all that fire last year, man, thats valuable experience,” Northcutt said.

“They’re some of our most consistent kids with the effort that they give when theye here. They always have a great attitude, theyre very cerebral. They;re just the lifeblood of the team.”

Three veterans supply that similar foundation on defense – a revamped unit that figures to get more athletic in spots after allowing 403 yards a game in 2023.

Caden Spano will be an anchor on the defensive line, Caydin Blakely slides from the front to middle linebacker and Bryce Garza was a mainstay at cornerback in the secondary last season. Around them, Holden Phillips, Cooper Archer, Hud Simpson, Santee Sanchez and Hunter Hicks will all be part of the equation and Allen will hold down a corner spot after he made a splash late last season.

“We’re really excited about our D going into this year,” Northcutt said. “It’s just a really athletic group of kids that are going to be on defense. We wont have a kid that we put out there that won’t be a good athlete.”

Or a shortage of talent on either side of the

#1 - Quarterback Hudson Hutcheson racked up huge numbers as a junior, throwing for a single-season school-record 3,742 yards with 36 touchdowns, to go with 497 yards on the ground with 11 scores.

ball. From the depths of an 0-10 beginning of Northcutt’s tenure to last season, the climb was difficult, but the rewards are finally emerging.

His seventh team is poised to add another important building block, as much because of an ironclad team chemistry as anything else.

“I think if you can develop that culture within a team that we’re always going tohave each other’s back, that’s big,” Northcutt said.

“Our kids invest so much into our program, and when the season does get here, it’s a big thing and they’re excited to see how far we can take things this season.

SCHEDULE

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Jay Northcutt (7th season)

Assistant coaches: Caleb Holt, Mark Ribaudo, Cal Fullerton, Chris Fanelli, Wes Havens, Brandon Roberson, Dustin Robinson, Noel Ramos, Kent Allison, Jacob Holland

Jr.

Demarion Finch RB/DB Jr.

Willie Parker LB Sr.

Dom Parrish RB/QB Jr.

Markell Smith DB Jr.

Nehemiah Gensler DB Sr.

J.J. Willis DB Sr.

Martel Moore DB Jr.

Isaiah Vazquez QB Jr.

Eryk Jones DB Jr.

Ke’Vonte Carr WR Jr.

Surreal Garrett WR Sr.

Joe Castro WR Jr.

Adam Ramos WR Sr.

Aaron Rodriguez WR Jr.

Jacob Perez WR Jr.

Colson Wolfe CB Jr.

Zakavian Washington LB Jr.

Andre Flores WR/DB Sr.

Christian Sanchez K/P Sr.

Davian Lopez RB Sr.

Willie Crain DB So.

Major Vera WR Jr.

Will Edwards DB Sr.

Collin Azure LB So.

Ty Jones RB Sr.

Kris Cummings DB Sr.

Bryson Soliz LB Jr.

Malachi McDonald DE Sr.

Oscar Rascon DB Sr.

Dominick Villareal LB Sr.

Tyler Johnson RB Sr.

JJ Johnson DL So.

Brandon Munoz OL So.

Solomon Owuor OL Jr.

Raymond Rodriguez OL Jr.

Jacob Saenz OL Jr.

Devon Lee OL Jr.

Tony Ramirez OL Jr.

Jacob Wilson OL So.

Nick Garcia OL Jr.

Evan Walters DE Jr.

T’marion Stell DE Sr.

Rod Humes DT Jr.

Avery Avilla DE Sr.

Royal Humes DL Sr.

BY RANDY ROSETTA Photography by The Ola Media Group

Ready or not, there is going to be a lot of newness for Coronado this season. And maybe that’s exactly what the Mustangs need after an uncharacteristic 2022 season left them on the outside looking in when the playoffs arrived.

A wave of coaching staff departures for other head-coaching jobs and coordinator spots created an offseason scramble for third-year coach D.J. Mann. Those changes coincide with a revamped roster dotted with lots of new faces in new places and Mann said he intends to make sure this season of transition takes a positive path.

“Being able to bring in seven new (coaches), seven different faces, seven different personalities is big for us,” said Mann, who will adjust his workload and tutor quarterbacks for the first time in his Coronado tenure. “People have been used to doing things a certain way and now it’s very important that we get everybody walking in the same steps” That includes the players, who are champing at the bit to change the narrative after a 3-7 season with a 2-4 mark in District 2-5A Division I and no postseason berth since 2015.

Graduation stung in several key spots, including quarterback and

New-look Mustangs ready to show they are up to challenge of return to glory Coronado Horse

linebacker, where the Mustangs lost two-year starters Jett Carroll and John Curry, now at Texas Tech after being tabbed the HubCityPreps. com Defensive Player of the Year. Replenishing will look a little different for Coronado, with only 4-5 seniors expected to start and a tested junior class poised to supply the nucleus.

“We’re going to rely on a lot of young kids, but most of them got a lot of snaps last year when they were sophomores,” Mann said. “People don’t really worry about who’s in the uniform; you’re a Coronado Mustang, no matter who you are or how old you are. People expect good things to come out of this program, and we just want to get back to doing what we’ve always done here and that’s be successful.”

The cupboard isn’t completely bare on either side of the ball, with notable cornerstones on both sides.

Linebacker Willie Parker returns for his third year as a starter and inherits the role of the clearcut leader from Curry. Parker logged 66 tackles last season with five sacks, 4 quarterback hurries and a pair of takeaways.

He will have some experienced company behind with three starters returning: J.J. Willis, Abraham Ragland and speedy Allen Gant, who ran the second fastest 100 (10.62) and 200 (21.69) meters in the city last spring.

7-on-7, and that’s why we went through the spring, so guys like Willie Parker and JJ Willis and Abe Ragland can get comfortable helping some of these young kids,” Mann said. “Those guys played a lot as sophomores and I’m excited to see how they progress.

“We’re going to be physical, we’re going to play hard, and we’re going to have a lot of fun.”

That physicality might be more prominent on offense this season as Coronado shifts from the pass-first mentality that has been in place under

Mann and Seth Parr for so long to a scheme featuring bulldozer back Demarion Finch, who is not only the leading returning rusher (62 carries-418 yards-2 touchdowns), but accounts for all but four of the varsity rushing attempts back this season.

Mann compared Finch to former Coronado star Antonio Malone in a thicker package (5foot-9, 195 pounds), but said the returning junior is also deceptively fast – something he proved on a 95-yard touchdown run against Amarillo High last season.

“We’re going to have to run the ball effectively this year – we have to do a lot better job of running the ball and protecting our offense and defense,” Mann said. The Mustangs’ offensive split was 65% pass/35% run last season. “Demarion will get the ball as much as we can give it to him.”

In charge of distributing the ball to Finch will be junior Isaiah Vazquez, who inherits the starting QB job after serving as Carroll’s backup in 2022.

Like Carroll and Sawyer Robertson before that, Vazquez is also a standout on the diamond and last spring gained some

Power

Coronado’s offense will get a boost from Demarion FInch (2), Surreal Garret (12) and new faces Isaiah Vazquez (9) at quarterback and Dominic Parrish in the backfield.

“That’s why we played

CONTINUED from page 17

valuable experience in high-leverage situations as a pitcher and at shortstop after Carroll’s season ended with a knee injury.

“He stays really calm; he’s smooth,” Mann said. “He’s not going to overwhelm you with a powerful arm, he’s not going to overwhelm you with his athletic ability, but he’s always doing the right thing. Kids believe in him and are going to be willing to do whatever they can to do to help him win.”

The skill-position crew around Vazquez is diverse, ranging from three-year starter Surreal Garrett to emerging threats Dominic Parrish and Aaron Rodriguez.

Garrett set the pace for Coronado in receptions (46), yards (579) and TDs through the air (5) last fall and will be the go-to receiver for Vazquez. Parrish could see time in the backfield as a running back or quarterback and earned Mann’s praise for being a dangerous playmaker regardless of how he gets the ball in his hands. Rodriguez is poised to step up as a go-to threat after a strong summer on 7-on-7.

An area where the Mustangs have to hit the learning curve quickly is on the offensive line.

After carving out playing time as a freshmen last season, Solomon Owuor and Devon Lee lead the way for a young crew, with Nick Garcia ready for playing time after operating on the junior varsity last fall.

“We have some kids that bring a little experience, but that’s the most important part of this team this year – how the offensive line is going to play,” Mann said. “They have to grow up in a hurry up there.”

Which ties nicely into what Coronado must do as a whole this season.

With so many new coaches and players,

Mann said he stepped back and assessed what he needs to do differently as a head coach who is still learning as he goes.

“We want to do things right,” Mann said. “We talked to our kids about doing things right off the field and doing things right on the field. We talked about those vital things, and that will translate to wins. We didn’t sit here and say, ‘We’ve got to be able to block a little better, we got to be able to tackle better.’ Those things are always going to be a focus. You have to know where you’re supposed to be. The coach has got to be able to trust these players and they’ve got to be able to trust us. If we’re taking care of our business and doing things right like keeping the locker room straightened up or how we’re getting on and off the bus – those little things translate to success.

“It has definitely been a learning experience for me the last two years. No day is the same, and all of these changes are probably good for me because it helps me to not be comfortable.

When you have the same guys, the train kind of drives itself. Well, now I’m having to step up and direct a little bit more and that’s helping drive me and motivate me.”

SCHEDULE

HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS Aug.

Coronado’s defense is in good hands with Allen Gant (1), Willie Parker (3) and J.J. Willis (right).

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head Coach: D.J. Mann (3rd season)

Assistant coaches: Andrew Roy, Cole Willis, Aarrhon Flores, Maison Ragland, Derrick Gonzales, Chris Marquez, Christian Carter, Tyson Jones, Corey Nichols, Thomas Adams

2022 record (overall/district): 3-7, 2-4 (tie for 5th place in District 2-5A Division I)

Last playoff appearance: 2021 – beat El Paso Bel Air 67-7 in bi-district round; lost to Midlothian 21-17 in area round.

Plainsmen look to regain we-can-win mentality after going winless in 2022

BY RANDY ROSETTA Photography by The Ola Media Group

Swirling change has been the hallmark for Monterey since the 2022 season wrapped up, as much out of necessity as choice. And for a proud program hungry to stoke the postseason flame, a renewed sense of excitement is prominent, starting from the top spot.

The Plainsmen enter the 2023 campaign with nowhere to go but up on the heels of the first winless season in the school’s 67-year history. Faces have changed, the number of bodieshas increased and there seems to be a new resolve – much of that stemming from the enthusiasm that second-year coach Judd Thrash has made a concerted effort to inject into the Monterey players.

“This team has come together so much more since the end of last season,” Thrash said.“They’ve put in the work, there’s a lot more camaraderie, they have good attitudes. We just look better. Our football IQ has increased. I’m very excited to see how their hard work pays off.”

All of that above is, in part, the result of Thrash and a revamped coaching staff getting more comfortable. Thrash’s debut season was a challenge

Monterey

unlike he had encountered after several stops at high- profile programs, most recently Class 6A juggernaut Duncanville. Dwindling numbers before Thrash arrived, blended with the hustle-and-bustle of putting a coaching staff together and then laying out an offseason plan created wobbly footing last fall. When the injury bug bit during the season, especially at the quarterback position, Monterey wound up in survival mode and could not get over the hump despite several games that were close – including four losses by four point or fewer. Defense helped the Plainsmen stay close in most games, including when they played powerful Tascosa as tough as anybody in District 2-5A Division I.

That is the side of the ball where Monterey has more hills to fill this season, but Thrash is ultra-enthusiastic about the young and talented crop of players ready to step to the forefront. There are some veterans back in the secondary, headlined by returning starters Austin Rivas, Desmond Williams and Kash Lewis. Aidan Mendonza will jump in as the fourth starter at the back end.

“Those are the guys who have to be leaders for us on defense,” Thrash said.

“We want to be tougher than anybody we play, and it starts on that side of the ball.” Monterey’s front seven is a gumbo of talent, potential and some experience. Up front, K.J. Russell and Zach White are slated to man the end spots, while L.A. Williams and Seimaj Lofton will look to plug holes from the middle spots. All four are uncommonly athletic for d-linemen, Thrash said, and give Monterey good size as well.

Gavin Guardiola and Zay Uvalle will roam the field from the middle of the defense, both as first-year starters. “We’re going to be pretty young, pretty big and pretty fast up there,” Thrash said.

“Our linebackers are new and need to get some experience, but they are talented guys.” A huge key for the Monterey defense will be replacing the leadership provided by Justin Perez last season under tough circumstances.

Thrash pointed to Rivas and White as the top

candidates to step into those shoes. Although there is considerably more experience back on the offensive side of the ball, attrition created the need to shuffle the deck in the backfield.

The offensive line might be the most experienced unit on the team with five starters returning after some tough on-the- job training last fall. Tackles Case Carpenter and Daegan Hinson lead the charge, with center Ian Garcia and guards Cael Hitchcock and Jacob Mosely all poised for big things this season. Lewis is a proven home-run threat at receiver and will have to be targeted moreafter the graduation of Hebrew Hunter. Christian Williams slides from receiver to a running back position after the departure of Jayden Hibbler, the District 2-5A Division I Offensive MVP last season, who transferred to Lubbock-Cooper. Thrash lauded Williams for his toughness as a runner and said the same about Ja’Marcus Smith, who is slotted to play a hybrid role as a running back and

To Roll!

Monterey’s offense will be led by Zach White (8), Desmond Williams (6) Case Carpenter (75), Kash Lewis (2) & Ja’Marcus Smith (17).

CONTINUED from page 21

quarterback. Luke Arrington is set to emerge as the starter at the controls of the offense after D.J.

Williams left the team after starting several games the last two seasons – both of which were blunted by injuries. Arrington took over when Williams’ season ended after three games last fall and was effective with 767 yards through the air on 66-of-120 accuracy before his season got cut short. At 6-foot-5, the junior gives Monterey a legitimate passing threat, while Smith provides a different wrinkle if the Plainsmen opt to grind away on the ground.

“We want to be able to rely on both of them because they present different threats for the defense,” Thrash said. “I like what both of them can take to the field for us.” What the Plainsmen have to take as a whole is the intensity and tenacity that has punctuated their offseason.

Thrash’s background and success along the way made settling for what happened last fall an impossibility. “As soon as last season ended, we talked to our guys about having pride in everything we do – not just for yourself, but for your team, for your family and for your school,” Thrash said. “

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head Coach: : Judd Thrash (2nd season)

Assistant coaches: Bill Jehling head coach, AJ Wooley, Grant Aschenbeck, Colby Edwards, Dana Gillespie, Kyle Vaughn, Michael Martinez, Ralph Ramon, Spencer Henderson

2022 record: 0-10, 0-5 District 2-5A Division I (6 th place) Last playoff appearance: 2020 –Beat El Paso Eastwood 66-42 in bidistrict round; lost to Birdville 41-23 in the area round.

SCHEDULE

#15 - KJ Russell will be looked upon to be a leader for the Plainsmen and will be counted on to put pressure on opposing offenses for an inexperienced group on defense.

ROSTER NAME POS CL

J Avery WR/DB Jr.

Trini Tijerina WR Sr.

Joe Rosendo WR/DB Jr.

Jeremiah Johnson RB/LB Jr.

Marquel Wynne WR/DB Jr.

Ethan Torrez WR/DB Sr.

Kylor Petrowski QB/DB Sr.

Braiden Dunkerson RB/LB So.

Xavien Ramirez DL Jr.

Liam Lehman WR/DB Sr.

Gabby Trevino K Sr.

Derek Torrez WR/DB Jr.

Tyrik Cook LB Jr.

Josh Coleman WR/DB Sr.

Julius Aquirre WR/DB So.

Sean Briceno RB/DB Sr.

Charlie Hogan LB Jr.

Jackson Cude LB Sr.

Josh Duarte LB Sr.

Daniel Reese LB Sr.

Jacob Casarez DB Jr.

Joseph Villesca LB Sr.

Yael Ontiveros K Jr.

Zeke Rodriguez RB/LB Sr.

Taje Whitfield DL Sr.

Bryson Garza RB/LB Jr.

Ishmael Benitez OL/DL Jr.

Lucas White OL/DL So.

Keagan Davis OL/DL Sr.

David Rodriguez OL/DL Jr.

Joseph Acuna OL/DL Jr.

Nico Munoz OL/DL Sr.

Sin’Cere Perez OL/DL Jr.

Ethan Guerra OL/DL Jr.

Christian Ramos OL/DL Sr.

Isiah Romo OL/DL Sr.

Brayden Mills OL/DL Jr.

Immanuel Gonzales OL/DL Sr.

Jeremiah Acuna OL/DL So.

Manuel Espinoza OL/DL Jr.

D.J. Jones RB/LB Jr.

Westerners expect a boost from added depth, athleticism on both sides of the ball

BY RANDY ROSETTA

Photography by The Ola Media Group

Lubbock High had growing pains in year 1 under Juan Rodriguez, which were fully expected. How the Westerners have processed the ups-and-downs are a focal point for a team that had to adjust on the fly after losing two star players – one before the season began – in 2022.

In the wake of a 2-8 season when Lubbock High struggled to be competitive in District 2-5A Division II, Rodriguez has maintained the enthusiasm that trumpeted his arrival, and that seems to be something his players feed off of.

“Guys are excited to get back out there to see what we can do together to get better,” Rodriguez said. “With their performance over the summer –their dedication to being here and working hard –we can see the culture changing. It’s still going to take some time to get where we want to be, but we can see it taking shape and that’s exciting and encouraging.”

An attitudinal swing is big, but Rodriguez is equally excited that his team has gotten better physically as well.

Replacing four-year starter Keith Ramirez and Michael Coleman – the two stars who missed most and all of 2022, respectively – looms

Lubbock High Making

#17 - Josh Coleman, #42 - Ezechiel Rodriguez, #15 - Derek Torres are the keys the Westerners are counting on for success.

as a major challenge. But there are plenty of candidates to step in for a team that Rodriguez said will be smaller in number by design so that the sub-varsity teams won’t be depleted at the expense of the varsity.

“We might be a little thinner in some spots, but that’s OK because we want to have kids available to play at all levels instead of just being in uniform on Friday night,” Rodriguez said. “We’ll ask a lot of our guys to play both ways as much as they can because we want our best athletes on the field as much as possible.”

And it’s that athleticism that will be an upgrade across the board for LHS.

Five seniors are emblematic of the experience

and talent that must rise to the top for the Westerners:

Kylor Petrowski has grabbed the reins of the offense at quarterback and could see time in the secondary.

Ethan Torrez and Josh Coleman will play both ways at receiver and cornerback.

Zeke Rodriguez will spearhead the defense from linebacker and is likely to get time as a fullback.

Jackson Cude will be right next to him on D. Keagan Davis will anchor the offensive line and is likely to start on the defensive front as well.

“We have a good core group of veteran guys who really set the tone all summer and are ready to be leaders for us,” Juan Rodriguez said. “They understand that what they have to do to help us get better as a football team right now, but also how important they have to be to our culture now and in the future.”

Petrowski was a jack-of-all-trades last season, a valuable took when Michael Coleman was unable to play and Ramirez’ season ended after five weeks with 411 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. Petrowski moved all over the field on offense and finished with 836 total yards (228 rushing, 349 passing, 259 receiving). Zach Reyna and Marquel Wynn are waiting in the wings at QB.

The Westerner offense sputtered after Ramirez went down, but the silver lining was a chance to get sev-

eral players experience. J Avery, Trini Tijerina and Torrez all emerged as receiving threats and Coleman joins that corral this season. There will be more snaps at receiver because junior D.J. Jones has moved to a running back spot and is set to be Lubbock High’s go-to ball carrier. He made a splash as a sophomore with an 89-yard game-opening kickoff return vs. Levelland.

“We had some good moments with our offense early in the year before we had a lot of injuries,” Rodriguez said. “I feel like we have more potential to generate big plays and that’s something we were missing.”

Conversely, surrendering big plays was a persistent thorn in the side for the Westerners’ defense. Lubbock High allowed a city-worst 417.5 total yards a game in 2022 and each of the last six opponents hung up 43 points or more. Now, with the bitter pill of last season lingering as motivation, there is a deep cast of experienced defenders ready to create a new trend on that side of the ball.

Zeke Rodriguez (team-high 88 tackles in 2022) and Cude (51 stops) are the heart-and-soul

Making a Stand

CONTINUED from page 25

SCHEDULE

tackles. Sean Briceno, Josh Coleman, Petrowski, Avery and Jones are all candidates to round out the defensive backfield.

“We’re going into this season with a lot more guys who are experienced in the secondary, and that should be big for us,” Juan Rodriguez. “Now we need them to take a step forward and improve their techniques and how they read offenses.”

Which could just as well be the theme for all of the Westerners.

in the middle, and diminutive junior Bryce Garza is set to join that tandem at linebacker. That unit is part of a front seven that Juan Rodriguez said will be improved. Senior Taje Whitfield spearheads the d-line at on one of the ends.

“One of our main focuses on defense is putting ourselves in better situations to stop the run,” Juan Rodriguez said. “We have to be better at forcing the other team into second- and third-and-longs.”

Derek Torrez and Ethan Torrez will be cornerstones in the secondary. Derek Torrez snatched 5 interceptions in nine games and had a hand in 53

The long-term view is important to Rodriguez, who has established a strong bond with the LHS community since he arrived.

“We’re going to raise the bar in every way possible,” he said. “The days of just being a Lubbock High Westerner so you can

wear the uniform are over. We want to be competitive, we want to win games, but we also want to meet academic standards and be an important part of the community.

“When everybody starts taking care of each other and loving each other, that’s when a program turns a corner toward being successful, and that’s what we want to do this season.”

The LHS offense will benefit from a healthy, #17Josh Coleman who will have plenty of opportunities to catch passes down the field.

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: : Juan Rodriguez (2nd season)

Assistant coaches: Hank Semler, Zane

Graves, Ernie Gonzales, Emilio Garcia, Jeremy Maxfield, Austin Miller, Matthew Garcia (receivers), KC Gilchrest, Anthony DeLeon, Caden Fregia, Victor Gomez, Alex Semler, Richard Leal, Koi CarrillO

2022 record: 2-8, 0-5, District 2-5A Division II (6 th place)

Last playoff appearance: 2012 – Lost to Amarillo High 57-14 in bi-district round.

ROSTER NAME POS CL

Austin Jackson RB/WR Jr.

Cub Patton K/P Jr.

Michael Dever WR Jr.

Kade Bullen QB Sr.

Cole Stanzione LB Jr.

Hayden Barrett DB Sr.

Sam Marcinkowski TE/DE Sr.

Cade Hays DE Sr.

Cash Truby TE Jr.

Jake Qualia QB Jr.

Chris Carrillo DE/LB Sr.

Jayden Hibbler RB Sr.

Ryan Rodriguez QB So.

Derrick Butler DB Sr.

Malik Epps-Keller QB Jr.

Gage Piepkorn WR Jr.

Archer LaFebre WR Sr.

Easton Barnhill TE Jr.

Jerry DeLeon RB Jr.

Bransen Carlile RB Sr.

Cayden Stanzione RB Sr.

Teddy Cook DB Sr.

Caden Brown DB Jr.

Kyler McDowell DB Jr.

Callan Ritz WR/DB Sr.

Kyle Warlick DB Jr.

Jayden Kennard WR Sr.

Vincent Sipowicz DB Sr.

Cole Kotara DB Sr.

Karter Gentry DB Jr.

Hudson Cross LB Sr.

Jaxon Cardenas DB Sr.

Noah Basinger LB Jr.

Andrew Borrego DB Sr.

Preston Jones LB Jr.

Stone Vaea DL So.

Phenix Adams LB Jr.

Keenan Kattwinkel OL Jr.

Grayson Hubbard OL Sr.

Jaxon Turnbow DL So.

Holton Hendrix OL Sr.

Kyle Politte OL Jr.

Mekhi Garmon OL Sr.

Frank Witt OL Sr.

Hudson Hamilton OL Jr.

Josh Alvarado DL Sr.

Boston Roberts WR Jr.

Tim Trevino TE Sr.

Jackson Sewell DL Jr.

Ian Minielly DL Sr.

BY RANDY ROSETTA Photography by The Ola Media Group

Five years ago when Chip Darden took the reins of the Lubbock-Cooper program from Max Kattwinkel, there were a lot of bells and whistles in place as well as built-in top-shelf expectations. And for the last four years, the Pirates have thrived under Darden’s watch – including last season when they barely missed a beat despite stepping up a level to much more rugged Class 5A Division I.

As the start of Darden’s fifth season closes in, there is a little more unknown – and by proxy some uncertainty – but those expectations aren’t about to relax a whole lot.

With a new era beginning with a second high school opening, LCP goes into the new season with more question marks than at any time previously since

Darden took over. The response from him and his team: Bring it on.

“It is much different and new crew, but we really like them,” said Darden, who has guided the Pirates to a 46-9 mark in his four campaigns with a pair of state semifinal appearances. They were the runnerup in District 2-5A Division I last year, ending a run of four straight league crowns.

“What we saw in the spring is that they’re going to compete hard. We may be inexperienced in some spots but more experienced than we have been in other places. Our strengths might be a little different, but we believe we’re going to be able to compete like we always have.”

Where the Pirates have the edge on opponents may change from week-to-week with the exception of three facets of their special teams, thanks to a pair of game-changing players on those units.

Cub Patton emerged as weapon as both a punter and kicker last season, while Cal Ritz is capable of a lightning-strike play in the return game every time he steps on the field.

Patton averaged 38.1 yards per punt, more importantly showing a knack for pinning opponents by dropping 12 kicks inside the 20-yard line. As a kicker, he was 9-of-10 on field goals with a game-winning 50-yarder on the last play of the game vs. Coronado and 17 of his 55 kickoffs went for touchbacks.

Despite the need to reload more than usual, Lubbock-Cooper Cooper They Will

“Usually, it’s the best thing to have a kicker and punter as one of your best players, but Cub is such a weapon for us, that it is a great thing for us,” Darden said. “His ability to punt the ball and pin teams back and let our defense go to work is something that makes us better and then what he does as a kicker is pretty obvious.”

Likewise, Ritz possesses the same game-changing ability in the return game. He accounted for 35.5 yards on kickoffs and 12.5 yards on punts –all in addition to his cover skills as a cornerback. Darden said Ritz, who won district championships with school-record times in the 100 (10.41) and 200 (21.33) meters last spring in track, will be incorporated into the offensive game plan more this season as well.

“He’s the kind of kid who can change the game for us any time he touches the ball,” Darden said. “With him, we actually feel like the return game is just as big a part of a game plan as what we do on offense because he is such a threat to score. It’s going to be fun to watch him this season.”

Same might be said of the Pirates’ offense, which underwent some offseason tweaks to fit the next wave of personnel. Darden and several coaches visited the Kansas coaching staff to observe the Jayhawks’ offense with the notion of implementing some of the concepts with an LCP unit that will rely on plenty of new faces.

That begins at the quarterback spot, where the Pirates will turn to a group of players who don’t have a varsity snap among them, but a ton of potential. Senior Kade Bullen, juniors Jake Qualia and Malik Epps-Keller and sophomore Ryan Rodriguez are all in the hunt for the starting job, each with some unique abilities in their toolboxes. Because two of that quartet were busy in other spring sports (Bullen in track, Qualia in baseball) and Epps-Keller is a move-in from Iowa, there hasn’t been a full opportunity for the Pirate coaches to evaluate the spot, which makes the first two weeks of fall practice vital for the selection process.

“There’s still a battle going on,” Darden said. “With us tweaking the offense, we’re asking the quarterbacks to do a little more, so there is a learning curve for all of them. We feel good about the position and it’s going to be all about who gives us the best chance to win games. Sometimes when you have too

many quarterbacks, that’s a bad thing, but we see this as a good problem to have.”

What will help whoever winds up with the keys to the offense is that he will have a wide array of weapons to choose from, some experienced and some brimming with untapped potential.

Two of the most dynamic players will operate out of the backfield: Jayden Hibbler and Jackson Austin. Hibbler transferred to LCP from Monterey after rushing for 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns last season to earn District 2-5A Division I Offensive Player of the Year honors. Austin’s athleticism flashed on a regular basis a year ago and Darden said there will be a concerted effort to get him the ball in a variety of ways.

Cayden Stanzione adds a grinder element to the running game and will play a key role.

Sam Marcinkowski headlines the receiving corps as a thirdyear starter and he has plenty of company with Jayden Kennard, Archer LaFebre and Michael Dever – as well as Ritz.

“We have a chance to be more explosive than

Lubbock-Cooper heads into 2023 with the same high-level expectations Will Come

Lubbock-Cooper seniors Sam Marcinkowski (7), Jayden Hibbler (12) and Holton Hendrix (70) will be major cogs for the offense this season.

CONTINUED from page 29

we have been the last few years and we want to take advantage of that,” Darden said. “We have a lot of guys we know we can rely on to make that happen.”

For the offense to rattle and hum, though, there will be have to be some rapid growth on the offensive line.

Senior Holton Hendrix, a Texas Tech commit, is the lone returning starter from a dominant crew of road graders the last few seasons, so the Pirates have one sturdy building block. Mekhi Garmon gained some valuable experience as a rotational player last season and is a big body that LCP can plug in at tackle.

“We lost of a lot of guys with experience, so that part of the offense will be a work in progress early on,” Darden said. “We may not be quite as big u front, but may actually be more athletic and have a chance to do some different things with the offense we’re going to run.

“Holton is obviously a big key for us up there. He has moved around and can play any position we need him to and he’s also a guy who will be a leader for the guys who haven’t played a ton.”

Chris Carrillo is poised to shoulder a similar role on defense as a third-year starter who has made progress each season and now gets a chance to emerge as a cornerstone for a defense that will be learning on the job. Carrillo manned an inside linebacker spot the last two years but is likely to slide outside on a regular basis to roam the field and find places to make an impact.

Joining Carrillo in the middle will be junior Cole Stanzione and senior Hudson Cross, two key reserves a

SCHEDULE

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Chip Darden (5th season)

Assistant coaches: Bob Backus, David Lakeman, Dustin Schulte, Matt Darden, Reilly Gwin, Kent Culpepper, Austin Taylor, Lee Hays, Ty Hooper, Cory Lynch, AJ Perez, Drew Peters, Taylor Read, Brenon Rhodes

2022 record (overall/district): 9-3, 4-1 (2 nd place in District 2-5A Division I)

year ago who both had big moments at times. That trio figures to be a strength of a defense replacing eight starters from a unit that limited foes to 277.2 yards a game during the regular season.

Ritz headlines the secondary, with Cole Kotara and Derrick Butler also poised to claim bigger roles as seniors.

“We don’t have as much experience as we have, but we’ve got a lot of guys who know their positions well,” Darden said. “They are well aware of the standard we have established with our defense the last several years and they want those high expectations. We’ve

Last playoff appearance: 2022 – beat El Paso Bel Air 59-7 in bi-district round; lost to Aledo 45-20 in area round.

gotten a little bigger on that side of the ball and may have more depth that we can rely on.”

As is the case with so many positions for the Pirates, though, there will undoubtedly be some growing pains for the defense against a schedule that is unforgiving – Dumas, Frenship, Abilene Wylie and Wichita Falls Rider in pre-district play, then the six-game grind in a league that has been pegged as one of the toughest in the state in 5A Division I.

The Pirates held up well against the same gauntlet a year ago, with losses to Frenship and Tascosa in the regular season before falling to eventual 5A Division I state champion Aledo in the area round. With Tascosa and Abilene High pegged as the teams to beat in district play, how LCP fares against city rivals Coronado and Monterey, plus matchups with Amarillo High and Caprock, all loom as key mileposts in October and November.

“We have to be ready for a battle every time we step on the field,” Darden said.

“This is a completely different team that is eager to create its own identity, and what they learn and how they develop in those first few weeks is going to be huge.”

Lubbock-Cooper’s Cal Ritz (27) and Chris Carrillo are two of the returning starters on a mostly rebuilt Pirate defense.

Harris RB/LB Sr.

James Bozeman RB/WR/DB So.

Luis Gomez WR/DB Sr.

Mekhi Williams RB/LB Sr.

Braylen Arguello DT Sr.

D.J. Johnson QB Sr.

Cedric Ross RB/WR So.

Antonio Willis WR/DB Sr.

Dezmond Taylor WR/DB Sr.

Xavier Lucio WR/DB Jr.

Joseph Mata K Sr.

ChristopherWoodruff WR/DB Jr.

Jaterrian Hargers WR/DB So.

Delton Johnson RB/DE Sr.

Bobby Ross RB/DE Jr.

Donivan Torrez RB/DB So.

Davonte Robinson RB/LB Jr.

Kyree Baxter RB/LB Jr.

Crespin Orasco TE/LB Sr.

Jacob Delgado TE/LB Jr.

Darius Alexander OL/DL Sr.

Isaiah Belgara OL/DL Sr.

Julian Cuevas OL/DL Jr.

Izaiah Castro OL/DL Sr.

Gavin Trevino OL/DL Jr.

Ricky Martinez OL/DL Jr.

Leo Valencia OL/DL Sr.

Emoni Draine OL/DL Jr.

Vershaunndrick Smith OL/DL Fr.

Tarrell Frank OL/DL Sr.

Z’Ryan Robinson TE/DL So.

Matadors return wealth of experienced players eager to build on successes of 2022 that included trip to playoffs

BY RANDY ROSETTA Photography by The Ola Media Group

Things slowed down for Estacado coach Will Blaylock after his first season with the Matadors, but all that did was speed up the expectations for a talent-loaded team that was tantalizingly close to big things last season.

Blaylock enters his second season more comfortable in his head-coaching skin and it sure doesn’t hurt that he and his staff see talent stacked up at every position.

The Matadors shrugged off some early-season wobbles last season and gained a head of steam to claim second place in District 5-4A before rolling past El Paso Bowie in the bi-district round. Randall slammed the door on Estacado’s season on a frigid night in Canyon, but the 7-5 finish – with its highs and a heavy dose of what-if – serve to motivate the Matadors.

“I’ve been able to slow down a little bit and step back to see what we need to better or differently,” Blaylock said.

“That’s

Estacado Front and

From left, 58 - Gabriel Castro, 72 -

Leo Valencia, 74 - Ricky Martinez, 50 - Darius “Juice” Alexander, 76 - Emoni Draine, 78 - Avian Hernandez, 77 - Vershaunndrick Smith, 79 - Tarrell Frank

helped me because I understand it better and can breathe a little bit and know what I need to do as their head coach. The big thing is that the kids are more comfortable with us as coaches and what we expect from them.”

And there isn’t a lot of gray area when it comes to Blaylock’s belief in the Mats’ potential in 2023. With a sizable senior class returning after gaining major experience last season, along with a pair of dynamic brothers who have been pegged as generational talents since they got to the high school level, Blaylock’s sights are set high. With 16 starters back, the second-year coach believes it’s time for Estacado’s strong tradition to add another memorable chapter.

“I told them that I’m not making any plans for Thanksgiving or Christmas because I expect us to be playing that long,” Blaylock said. “That’s the mindset we’re adopting as coaches, and I hope they are, too.

“We talk to them all

the time about understanding the history of this program – that’s the standard we want to meet every season.”

No time like the present to take aim at lofty goals. The Matadors have gotten bigger and faster since the end of last season, Blaylock said, and the defense returns nearly intact after getting better down the stretch.

The building blocks Estacado has to start with are brothers Bobby and Cedric Ross, both of whom are near the top of every college recruiter’s list in the country. Bobby Ross is back for his third season as the bell cow in the Mats’ backfield after rumbling for 1,436 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Cedric was a hybrid headache for defenses in his rookie campaign with 18 receptions for 395 yards (21.9 yards per catch) and two touchdowns, plus another 368 yards on the ground with five scores.

Those two will work with a familiar face under center, with D.J. Johnson back as a second-year starter at quarterback. He overcame a mid-season off-the-field

hiccup to pass for 184.4 yards a game with 17 TD throws in seven games and closed with a bang in the playoff game vs. Randall.

“Everything really clicked for him in the second half against Randall,” Blaylock said. “He showed us that he could make all the throws. Then he followed that by really growing up this summer and become a leader for us.”

The Matadors’ talented trio has plenty of company in the skill-position rooms, buoyed by a collection of running backs that Blaylock called “loaded.” James Bozeman heads up that crew after a spectacular season on the track, while Donivan Torrez and Kyree Baxter – also a defensive stalwart – could work into the backfield rotation.

Devoryea Boyd is the focal point of the receiving corps after a breakout junior season punctuated by team-highs in receptions (38), yards (590) and receiving TDs – two of his seven were final-play game-winners. Dee’Ondric Green, an all-state-caliber defensive back, corralled 14 passes for 320 yards. Will Blaylock II is poised to

and Center

CONTINUED from page 33

get snaps as a receiver and will backup Johnson at quarterback.

“We’re going to have a lot of ways to hurt the defense,” Blaylock said.

“We have a lot of guys who can make things happen with the ball in their hands.”

With some important help from an offensive line that blends experience with size – none bigger than perhaps the most talented freshman in Lubbock. Three seniors will provide the framework up front: Izaiah Castro is back at tackle after earning all-district honors last year, Leo Valencia can man either center or guard and Darius Alexander, a former starter at Coronado and Texas City, will claim another spot.

E’Moni Draine and Avian Herandez will also rotate in, and the most intriguing addition on the line is 6-foot-4, 310-pound freshman Vershaunndrick Smith, a 14-year-old who is already turning college recruiters’ heads.

All the promise on offense overshadows an Estacado defense that will have to take major strides this season. As good as the Matadors were at times, they also surrendered 27 points or more in all five losses –three times in a four-game stretch before district play began then a season-worst 52 in a loss at Brownwood. Andrews also hung up 36 points, but Estacado escaped with a win in overtime.

How much a veteran group learned from last season’s growing pains is a

SCHEDULE

Home Games in All Caps

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Will Blaylock (2 nd season)

Assistant coaches: Bryan Madrid, Pierre Leonard, Tyson Wilson, Tyler Smith, Jeremy Watson, Brian Ware, Jacob Hines, Marcus Burk, Vidal Scott, Nate Newman, Mark Llanas, Keanu Ramos

2022 record (overall/district): 7-5, 3-1 District 2-4A Division I (2nd place)

Last playoff appearance: 2022 – Beat El Paso Bowie 54-7 in bi-district round; lost to Randall 27-14 in area round.

Estacado brothers

Bobby Ross (left) and Cedric Ross will be focal points for the offense and will also be prominent on college recruiters’ radars this season.

huge key to the 2023 season. Increased speed and depth – bolstered by the coaches’ willingness to take the playmakers on offense and stick them on the other side of the ball – create some understandable optimism.

The top three tacklers from last season are back, all at linebacker, to form a sturdy backbone: Nate Orta in the middle, with Kei’Sean Harris and Baxter flanking him. Likewise, the secondary figures to be salty, led by Green (9 interceptions,

12 pass breakups), Antonio Willis (4 picks) and Torrez. Will Blaylock II, Boyd and C.J. Woodruff will all factor in as well in the defensive backfield. There are some holes to fill on the defensive front but the return of Braylen Arguello – who blossomed late in the season to earn all-district kudos – and the emergence of seniors Delton Johnson, Isaiah Belgara and Jamar Shaw gives Estacado a quartet of veterans ready to rise to the occasion. Gabriel Castro and Jaydn Turner add some depth. “We’ll have guys going both ways, either as starters or in certain situations and we train every kid on our team to be ready to play wherever we need them,” Blaylock said.

ROSTER

NAME POS CL

Lotan Jimenez DB-WR Sr.

Gage McPherson RB-LB Sr.

Jayden Gonzales DB-R Sr.

Jesus Martinez QB Jr.

George Rivera ATH Sr.

Houston Bell RB-DB So.

JoJo Carrillo WR-DB Sr.

Quavience Busby SR-B Jr.

Trae Timmins DB-WR So.

Austin Martinez WR-DB Sr.

Brason Salas WR-DB Sr.

Brendan Josselet DB-WR Jr.

Mike Rodriguez DE-TE So.

Joluis Olivas DB-WR Sr.

Abel Vasquez WR-DB Sr.

Jaythan Ruiz RB-LB Jr.

Kaden Wise LB-TE Sr.

Dylan Castillo WR-DB Sr.

Jordan Stell LB Jr.

Christian Falcon DB-WR Jr.

Javier Hernandez LB Jr.

Isaac Vasquez K Jr.

Izaiah Morin LB-TE Jr.

John Stell LB Jr.

Zavier Hernandez LB Jr.

Ramon Holguin LB Jr.

Noah Arenas DE Jr.

Austin Ferreira DT-OL Sr.

Justice Churchwell DE Jr.

Cayne Johnson OL-DE Jr.

Joe Mata OL-DE Jr.

Riley Flores DE-OL Jr.

Stephen Jenkins OL-DT Sr.

Andrew Lira DT-OL Sr.

Gabriel Rodriguez DT-OL Jr.

Gabriel Rodriguez DT-OL Jr.

Michael Perez OL-DT Sr.

Jace Valdez OL-DT Jr.

Raul Mendoza OL-DT Jr.

Ruben Fonseca DB Jr.

Andrew Valenzuela DB-WR Jr.

SCHEDULE

HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS

Aug. 25 POST 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 at Tulia 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 ROOSEVELT 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Dimmitt 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 LITTLEFIELD 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 MULESHOE 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 DENVER CITY* 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Lamesa* 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 KERMIT* 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Slaton* 7 p.m.

*Denotes District Game

First-year head coach Taheric Brantley is ready to build on success that Cubs enjoyed in 2022

BY DOUG HENSLEY

Photography by The Ola Media Group

When opportunity came knocking, Taheric Brantley was quick to answer. In a nutshell, that’s how he came to be the new head coach at Brownfield. Brantley, though, isn’t walking into unfamiliar territory. He began his coaching career with the Cubs and spent two years as the team’s defensive coordinator before taking a position at Coronado.

“The guys here that we’re going to count on, they’ve been present throughout summer workouts so we’ve been able to get them ahead of the learning curve a little bit,” he said. “We have a lot of experience returning on offense and defense. This is a talented team, and I feel like we have something here we can build on. We have to compete, win games and chase a district championship.”

Brantley was the co-defensive coordinator for the Mustangs the past two seasons, but when the Brownfield position came open, he saw it as an opportunity to return to a community where he has a degree of familiarity. He is also a Lubbock High graduate and former member of the Texas Tech track program.

He inherits a team that went 8-3 last season and finished second in District 1-3A Division I before its season ended with a 47-37 loss to Muleshoe in

Brownfield Change

#25 - George Rivera, #61 - Ian Durham, #4 - Jesus Martinez, #2 - Gage McPherson and #52 - Austin Ferriera set to lead the Cubs in 2023.

bi-district playoff game. It was a memorable year for the Cubs as they bolted to a 5-0 start and had plenty of momentum entering district play.

Brantley sees an opportunity to build on that success by implementing a spread attack and working to get the ball in the hands of the team’s playmakers.

“It’s a variation of the Air Raid,” he said, referring to the offense made popular by Texas Tech. “We have a quarterback who can sling the ball, and we want to get the ball our receivers out on the edge. Give them an opportunity to make something happen.”

Brantley brought with him Rickey Smith from Coronado, who will be the team’s offensive coordinator while Jacob Perez, a familiar presence on the Brownfield sideline, will continue as defensive coordinator after directing a ball-hawking defense that amassed 31 takeaways last season.

Triggering the offense will be junior quarterback Jesus Martinez. As a sophomore last year he threw for more than 3,000 yards and gave the Cubs an ability to strike quickly from any point on the field. One of the team’s primary offensive threats this year will be JoJo Carrillo, a first-team all-district choice a year ago who had 600 yards receiving. Complementing him will be Quavience Busby, a junior who had 700 receiving yards in 2022.

“We’re expecting good things out of our quarterback,” Brantley said. “With JoJo in the slot, he will be a premium target, and we’re looking to Quavience to step up again this year. We want to throw the ball, but we know we’ll have to utilize the run to take some pressure off Jesus. We want to establish the run and let him use that as an extension of what he can do rather than have him trying to do everything on offense.”

Defensively, the Cubs will use a nickel approach with the idea to put their best athletes on the field and give them the freedom to make plays and disrupt opposing offenses.

Spearheading the defense will be linebacker Kaden Wise, and he will get plenty of help, including George Rivera and JaydenGonzales in the secondary.

“We have some outstanding athletes on defense, and Jayden Gonzales is one of our best players,” Brantley said. “He was all- District and led the district with nine interceptions.”

While Brantley came on the

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Taheric Brantley, (1st season)

Assistant coaches: Nate Butts, Rickey Smith, Jacob Perez, Kyle Browne, Kyle Carroll, Donnie Bryant, Jezreel Griffin, Jeremy Nunn, Joshua Ruiz, Adam Nix, Bryant Valentine. Last season: 8-3 overall (3-1 in District 1-3A Division 1).

Playoffs: Lost 47-37 to Muleshoe in bidistrict.

Brownfield scene a little late, he’s impressed by the commitment and work ethic of his team.

“I have been preaching all summer that our kids need to understand that availability is an important thing,” he said. “That means showing up here every day, putting in work and having coaches take notice of your presence. That contributes to being ready on day one. This wasn’t a complete overhaul. Some of theterminology and verbiage is different, but it’s a matter of learning nuances on each side of the ball.”

One thing Brantley is certain of is the quality of competition in the district. “Slaton will be much improved and Lamesa with that triple-option is going to be tough to prepare for,” he said. “We know Denver City has a great program. We have to do things to catch up, and I think we’re up to that task.”

Change Up!

ROSTER

NAME. POS. CL.

Ben Alvarado WR-DB Sr.

Jayden Flores WR-DB Sr.

Gage Potter WR-DB Jr.

Kaden Broden WR-DB Jr.

Rusty Johnson ATH Sr.

Mark Buxkemper WR-DB Sr.

Austin Ellis RB-LB Sr.

Noah Tienda WR-DB Jr.

Malachi Gavina WR-DB Sr.

Eli Randall RB-LB Jr.

Zayden Carrillo DB-WR Jr.

Kysen Niblett SRb-LB So.

Devon Ponce RB-LB So.

Kain Maldonado OL-DL Sr.

Joe Pena OL-DL Sr.

Zarian Valderas OL-DL Jr.

Luis Castellanos OL-DL Sr.

Matt Ramiro OL-DL Jr.

Lobos look to build on a 2022 season that saw them make the playoffs but fall short of team goals

BY DOUG HENSLEY

Photography by The Ola Media Group

Last season wasn’t one that Levelland wants to spend a lot of time dwelling on, but the year ended with the Lobos in the playoffs. And it was there that they learned something about themselves.

“I think making the playoffs helped them believe in themselves,” coach Lyle Leong said. “They got some confidence from that experience. We lost to Monahans, but they went four rounds deep in the playoffs. I think that gives us something to build on.”

The Lobos finished 2-9 last season, but have a good number of talented skill position players back, and everyone is more familiar with Leong’s spread attack. “We have great kids here, and they all worked really hard throughout the summer,” Leong said. “They believe in what we’re doing, and I know I’m excited to see what’s going to happen this year. I think this program has a chance to take the next step.”

To do so, Levelland will need solid play on offense, where a handful of veterans are back for another year. Rusty Johnson is in his fourth year on the varsity and is set to lead the team at quarterback. Jayden Flores and

Levelland Next Step!

THE SPORTSHUB

Gage Potter each have three years of experience under their belts and return at receiver. Eli Randall is back at running back, and Luis Castellanos and Joe Pena give Levelland two experienced players on the front line.

“At the skill positions, I think we’re in really good shape,” Leong said.

“We also have some really good linemen. The thing is they’re not big and there’s not a lot of them. Overall, we do have 12 linemen this year, and our coaches have done a great job with them.”

Leong said the Lobos would prefer to be more pass-heavy in their spread attack, but the talents of returning personnel means the team will probably lean more on the running game.

“We’ll do what we can and fit it to our athletes,” Leong said. “I’d like to throw it around a lot because of the kids we have back skill-wise and their experience in the program.” Leong said the Lobos have to be able to run the ball to open up the passing game.

“We ran a lot last year and ran well,” he said. “We need to continue to do that this season because that helps us manage the clock. We have to do that and avoid turnovers to be successful.” Now in his third year leading the program, Leong can see a quicker

pace and greater familiarity with schemes and terminology.

“They’ve put in a lot of work,” Leong said. “They’re always up at the stadium and understand you have to work hard to be successful, but what I’ve been impressed with is they are successful because they are good athletes and better people.”

Defensively, Levelland will employ an oddman front and rely on man coverage. Leong said the team has solid depth and will use twoa-days to assess and see who fits where.

“We have some kids who have had to play both ways, but we have some other kids who are really strong candidates for playing time as well, so we’ll see how things go,” Leong said. “We have to limit explosive plays on defense and be able to force some turnovers.”

Leong expects another knock-down, drag-out affair in District 2-4A Division II this season as Seminole and Canyon West Plains have been the teams to beat.

“Everyone in the district is well-coached,” Leong said. “I feel good about our season and our ability to compete in the district.

I don’t think there are any games where we won’t be able to compete and have an opportunity to win.”

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Lyle Leong, (3rd season)

Assistant coaches: Marlon Winn, Tony Eggleston, Mike Brogden, Brandon Coronado, John Lange, Chris Portwood,Kendall Durrett, Keith Dixon, Gary Thorne, Seth Rose, Ramiro Serrato, Matthew Bruce.

Last season: 2-9 (1-4 in District 2-4A Division 2)

Playoffs: Lost 27-15 to Monahans in bi-district round.

Step!

We’re proud to join the Littlefield community in supporting the Wildcats and their grid-iron tradition of excellence under first year head coach, Bo Bryant.

GO! Cats!

ROSTER

NAME POS CL

Morris Randle WR-DB Sr.

Josiah Garcia WR-DB Sr.

Omar Martinez WR-DB Sr.

Gabe Montalvo WR-DB Sr

Aaron Chapman WR-DB Jr.

Eizeah Coleman WR-LB Jr.

Jeremiah Trevino TE-LB Sr

Sam Hill RB-DE Sr.

Ian Mendez WR-DB Jr.

Chip Green Wr-DB Jr.

Bradyn Redman WRLB Jr.

Brady Jones TE-DE Sr.

Major McNeese RB-DB Jr.

Noah Lopez WR-LB Sr

Gabriel Villanueva WR-DB Jr.

Diego Ramirez RB-DE Jr.

Jeremiah Estrada WR-DB Sr.

Marcquis Rosemond OL-DL Jr.

Brendon Bowman OL-DL Sr.

Zechariah Sanchez OL-DL Sr.

Jakob Kirkland OL-DL Jr.

Micah Keeney OL-DL Sr

Sir Pratt OL-DL Sr.

Miguel Terrazas OL-DL Jr.

Angel Salazar OL-DL Sr

Sean Ybarra OL-DL Jr.

Christian Solis OL-DL Sr.

SCHEDULE

BY DOUG HENSLEY

Photography by The Ola Media Group

It has been an offseason like no other for the Littlefield Wildcats, and it has little to do with football. the community suffered a tragic loss last November when head coach Jimmy Thomas passed away following a brief illness. The tradition-rich Wildcat program is determined to move on, and Bo Bryant was tabbed the team’s new head coach in January.

“We finished fifth in the district last year, and that was tough,” he said. “This program is used to having success, and we want to earn a playoff spot. We know every team in this district is good, so it’s going to be a challenge.”

The Wildcats started quickly last season, winning their first four games with ease, but the team opened district play with a 35-28 loss on the road against Coahoma that knocked them off their stride.

“We lost by seven points at Coahoma, and we lost to Idalou in the last 30 seconds of the game,” Bryant said. “The teams in this district are good. They’re well-coached, and they work hard, but we have a bunch of guys back, and they’ve been working hard all summer.”

Littlefield finished 5-5 overall (1-4 in District 4-3A

Littlefield Finding

From left, #3 - Omar Martinez, #8 - Jerimiah Trevino, #9 - Sam Hill, #54 - Brendon Bowman and #1 - Morris Randle are being tasked with bringing the Wildcat winning tradition back to Littlefield.

Putting a tough 2022 behind is motivator for Wildcats to regain some of its rich gridiron tradition

Division 2). Bryant said the uncharacteristic season should serve as motivation heading into 2023. Continuity has also been important for the program. With one exception, Littlefield retained all of its assistant coaches to be part of Bryant’s staff.

“I think it probably pushes them to work harder after the way last season went,” he said. “They’ve risen up and responded in terms of working hard and striving to improve during the summer. They are going to do everything they can to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Bryant may be new to the head coaching role, but this is his eighth year in the Wildcat program, and he said it’s been as smooth a transition as it could be under the circumstances.

“We brought the spread to Littlefield a couple of years ago,” he said. “And that was a big change because they had been running the slot-I for a long time. So there was a learning curve in the beginning because we also changed our defense a little bit, but they’ve done a good job learning and buying into it.”

The spread means the Wildcats have moved from a run-first to a pass-more-often mentality. The big thing is they’ve significantly increased their offensive pace, run-

ning more plays and getting more chances to put pressure on opposing defenses.

This season, Littlefield returns seven offensive and eight defensive starters. The comfort level on both sides of the ball is greater than in seasons past, and the Wildcats are poised to once again be a factor.

“We’ve got quite a few returnees,” Bryant said. “But we also have some holes to fill on offense, especially in the offensive line, so we’re going to need some guys to stop up and fill those roles. It’s been encouraging so far because we had a lot of kids participate in conditioning this summer.”

Junior Chip Green will lead the team at quarterback. Omar Martinez is being counted on at receiver and Brendon Bowman and Marcquis Rosemond are proven commodities up front.

“We have a chance to have one of our biggest offensive lines, so we’re hoping we can control the line of scrimmage,” he said. “We’re counting on them to set the tone for us.

Defensively, the Wildcats will have to fill the sizable shoes of Javen Jimenez, the team’s middle linebacker last

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Bo Bryant, (1st year)

Assistant coaches: Bryan Allcorn, Matthew Arce, Nik Clarkson, Jose Delacruz, Blake Green, Bryan Gregory, Jett Hartley, Divad Mata, Nathan McKinnon, Ryan Menasco, Logan Mitchell.

2022 record: 5-5 (1-4 District 4-3A Division II)

season who finished as one of the all-time leading tacklers in program history. Major McNeese, a free safety, is being counted on to provide leadership for the defense.

“I think we’re looking good. We have some experience back, and we want to be aggressive on defense,” Bryant said. “We want to get our best athletes out there to fly to the ball. Our kids love playing in this defense. They did a great job last season forcing 30 takeaways.” Bryant said the Wildcats will need to keep pressure on opposing defenses to be successful.

“We want to play as fast as we can, get pressure on the quarterback and force him into bad decisions,” he said.

Finding the Way

ROSTER

NAME POS CL

Josiah Miller WR-DB Jr.

Walter Ryder WR-DB Sr.

Ellis Maddox WR-DB Jr.

Damien Valenzuela WR-K Sr.

Steven Vazuez WR-DB Sr.

Jacobi Porter RB-LB Sr.

Elijah Soliz TE-DL Jr.

Brock Nails WR-DB So.

Ryan Garcia RB-DB Jr.

Mateo Hernandez WR-QB Sr.

Seth Mayberry QB-P So.

Abram Garcia WR-DB Jr.

Zach Soliz WR-DB So.

Ramon Donovin WR-DB Jr.

Kenneth Larsen DB Sr.

Josh Ramirez TE-LB Jr.

LaDanian Hernandez WR-DB Jr.

Jeremiah Guitron TE-LB Jr.

Rene Zamarripa RB-LB Sr.

Jimmy Navarrete DB Sr.

Alex Villarreal WR-DB Jr.

Talan Castillo DB Sr.

Patrick Villarreal WR-DB Jr.

Jordan Bernal WR-DB Sr.

Davian Ramos RB-DB Jr.

Ryan Comans LB Sr.

Esteban Armendariz DL Jr.

Josiah Borgas DL Sr.

Keevin Cardiel TE-LB Jr.

Zach Ortega OL Jr.

Andrew Cervantez OL Jr.

Jayden Juarez DL Sr.

Xzavier Ramirez OL-DL Jr.

Josiah Zapata OL-DL Sr.

Nathan Carrillo OL-DL Sr.

Danny Rodriguez OL-DL So.

Carlos DeLuna OL Sr.

Luis Pesina OL-DL Sr.

Jayven Galvan OL Sr.

Brandon Ortega OL-DL Sr.

Chaz Heads OL Sr.

Jaylon Craft OL Sr.

Andre Longoria OL Sr.

Jeremiah Peralez OL-DL Jr.

Tate Valles TE-LB Sr.

Justice DeLeon TE-DL Sr.

SCHEDULE

Talented squad at skill positions has Plainview offense ready to let the ball fly in Air-Raid offense

BY DOUG HENSLEY

Photography by The Ola Media Group

There was a lot of learning that went on for Plainview last season. Now, though, a year older and wiser, the Bulldogs feel much more ready for whatever might be thrown their way.

“We’ve talked to our kids a lot this year. Our theme is breakout,” said coach Johnathon Haddock.

“We’ve been really close. We lost some close games last year. We won a couple, but we still lost a few. Now we feel like we’re ready to break out, go win those close games and ultimately get back to the playoffs.

A four-point non-district loss to Pampa and a three-point district loss to Palo Duro were the difference in the Bulldogs having a break-even year last season. Plainview finished 3-7 overall and 1-4 in District 2-5A Division II, missing out on the postseason for the fifth year in a row.

“We have a bunch of good, hard-working kids who get after it,” said Haddock, who is beginning his fourth year with the Bulldogs. “We feel really good about who’s coming back. Our seniors and returnees were here every day during the summer working to get stronger.

PLAINVIEW Breaking

From left, #5 - Steven Vasquez, #10 - Mateo Hernandez, #58 - Nathan Carrillo, #68Brando Ortega and #2 - Ryder Walter are the cogs in a wide open offensive attack under second year coach Johnathon Haddock.

With a district that includes Lubbock High, Palo Duro, Abilene Wylie, Abilene Cooper and Wichita Falls Rider, Plainview can expect another challenging season. “Wiley won the district last year, and they’re going to be big and physical up front,” Haddock said. “Abilene Cooper is always well-coached. Rider is going to be extremely talented.

Our focus is to make it to the playoffs this year. I believe we can do that, but we have to be able to win close games.” Seth Mayberry will be at the controls of the Bulldogs’ multiple spread attack this season, having won the job during two-a-days last season.

“You better have a pretty good quarterback with the offense we run,” Haddock said. “Seth is a very mature kid. Last year, we had a senior returning starter at quarterback, and Seth won the job. The other young man moved to defense, and it was really cool to see that they were both all bought in like that.” This season, Mayberry will be joined by two experienced running backs – Rene Zamarripa and Jacobi Porter. The Bulldogs also have receiving threats in Mateo Hernandez and Damien Valenzuela, as well as a full complement of returning linemen, giving the offense experience throughout. “It’s a multiple spread offense,”

Haddock said. “We run a West Coast spread Air Raid attack with a little bit of everything. We want to be a 50-50 run-pass team.

Last season, we ended up throwing a little more than we wanted to in a couple of games where we fell behind, but we should be closer to that this year.”

On defense, the Bulldogs will work out of a 3-3 stack with an emphasis on limiting players from competing on offense and defense, although there will be exceptions.

“We want that to be in a specialty situation like a third down, goal line or special plays,” Haddock said. Ryder Walter is a three-year starter who is back at free safety while Justin DeLeon is another veteran who will be on the front line along with Elijah Solia, who had 6.5 sacks as a sophomore last season. Likewise, Josiah Miller is back at cornerback, and Jeremiah Guitron will be counted on in what has shaped up as a young group of linebackers.

“We believe with the experience we have on the back end and the skill up front, it will give our linebacking corps a chance to grow into their own,” he said. “We’re going to have some young guys on defense, but we’re excited to see how they step up.”

For the Bulldogs, success will hinge on their ability to guard against momentum-shifting miscues.“We’ve got to avoid the big mistakes and limit our turnovers,” he said. “I feel like defensively we made some big steps forward last year, but we still had a lot of big passing plays against us. We have to be simpler and allow our kids to play fast.

We want them flying around. If (opponents) have to go 12 or 15 plays to score, that’s one thing, but we can’t have them scoring in two or three plays.”

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Johnathon Haddock, (4th Year)

Assistant coaches: Wyatt Martinez, Drew Cunningham, Doug Davis, Isaiah Baker, Neill Billingsley, Jacob Boswell, Carson Hauk, Koy Richardson, Santana Soliz, Trevor Townsend, Michael Wickware

Last season: 3-7 overall (1-4 in District 2-5A Division 1).

Breaking Out

After losing four stars from breakthrough season, LCP looks to reload with hungry core of returnees

BY RANDY ROSETTA Photography by HUB CITY PREPS

Coming off a season that ended with the best finish in program history, it might seem easy enough for Lubbock-Cooper to exhale and take a little edge off the usual level of expectations.

After all, the Lady Pirates vaulted a major hurdle to reach the Region I-5A Tournament for the first time in program history but lost four cornerstone players from that team – including perhaps the two most dominant hitters who have taken the court in Lubbock in recent years.

When the Lady Pirates look to build off a breakthrough 38-6 campaign that was buoyed by a third consecutive District 4-5A championship, they will have to construct a new foundation after the graduation of D’Mya Hill, Hope Douglass, Ava Hounshell and Paige Rollins. Hill and Douglass were the HubCityPreps.com City Co-Players of the Year, Hounshell was the Defensive Player of the Year and Rollins was a first-team selection.

“It’s tough to think of replacing those four when you think about what they accomplished while they were (at LubbockCooper,” second-year Lady Pirate coach Dana Hill said. “But you don’t have any choice. You have to reload and move on.”

So expect a letdown, right? Not so quick on that assumption.

“We’re going to be a very different team, but we’re still going to be a very good team –just with different players who have different strengths,” Hill said. “The big thing we have to stay focused on is that this team needs to create its own identity. Last year was great and set the bar higher than it’s ever been before. One of biggest challenges for us will be to stay in the present and not think we can hang our hats on what that team did last year.”

What the Lady Pirates did was knock off perennial powerhouse Amarillo High – a thorn in their side ever since climbing up to Class 5A – in the regional round to punch a ticket to the regional tournament where their season ended with a loss to eventual state champion Colleyville Heritage.

SCHEDULE

into the Libero/ defensive specialist job vacated by Hounshell. The wildcard is Kinley Jacobs, one of LCP’s most versatile players who is capable of moving to several spot on the court and is healthy again after she was on the shelf in 2022.

“We’ve got a lot of great players who know how to put the ball down in different ways,” Hill said. “They each have their own strengths and we need to know when to rely on them.”

The Lady Pirates’ pool of experience doesn’t end there.

Juniors Riley Roberts, Maddie Caswell and Kambell Johnston, as well as intriguingly athletic sophomore Sarah Goltz also logged court time in key spots last season. Likewise, the underclassmen who are stepping up to the varsity come from a junior varsity program that notched an undefeated season in 2022.

“We have a nice mix of experience and leadership coming back plus some young players who are eager to show what they can do,” Hill said.

TEAM INSIGHTS

DISTRICT 4-5A

Head coach: Dana Hill

2022 record: 38-6, 11-1 district (1st place)

Playoffs: Beat Palo Duro 3-0 in bi-district round; beat El Paso Burges 3-0 in area round; beat Amarillo High 3-2 in regional round; lost to Colleyville Heritage 3-0 in regional semifinals.

Reaching that level of success this season will hinge on how well a strong returning corps of players respond to moving into the spotlight. Headlining that group are a quartet of seniors – three who played prominent roles last season and one who could emerge as a surprise after missing last season with a knee injury.

Kennedy Venable, Kirsten Hodges and Rylee Robertson were in the primary rotation last season and both had big moments throughout the season. Venable was especially impressive in the five-set victory against Amarillo High. Brantley Hill is poised to slide

“It’s going to be a challenge to see how we put the puzzle together. These girls are really excited about the legacy they have a chance to leave.”

As added bonus, a large core group of Lady Pirates gained major some off-season experience together at the AAU Nationals for the Lubbock-based SouthWest 17s, which finished fourth in the country. The LCP contingent was Venable, Goltz, Roberts, Hodges, Johnston, Hill and Addie Southard, who has a chance to work in at Libero.

“That’s what you hope for – that club ball benefits you in the school season and school ball can benefit the club team,” Hill said.

“Those girls played high-level volleyball for most of the summer and gained a lot of valuable experience.”

Rylee Robertson is one of the handful of veteran players back for Lubbock-Cooper, which is looking to build on the best season in program history in 2022.

TEAM INSIGHTS

DISTRICT 4-5A

Head coach: Kandi Stephens 2022 record: 12-29, 3-9 district (5th place)

Last playoff appearance: 2021 – Lost to Randall 3-0 in bi-district round.

Motivated Coronado takes aim at doing little things better in the hunt to make a push to get back to the postseason

BY RANDY ROSETTA Photography by HUB CITY PREPS

Motivation is a powerful tool for a high school athlete. And in an era when missing the playoffs is tough to do –and a rarity for a proud program – doing so will certainly light a fire.

Coronado’s 2022 season ended without a postseason trip, a disappointing aberration for a program that was the trendsetter in Lubbock for so many years.

That isn’t something thirdyear Lady Mustangs’ coach Kandi Stephens dwells on with her team, but said that she has seen

SCHEDULE

SEPT. 19 at Lubbock-Cooper*

SEPT. 22 at Abilene High*

SEPT.

SEPT. 30 ABILENE COOPER* noon

OCT. 3 MONTEREY*

OCT.

OCT. 20 at Abilene Wylie*

OCT. 24 Abilene Cooper*

* ---Denotes District Game

clear signs that a core group of players back from last year isn’t interested in allowing the most recent history to repeat itself.“They want things to be different this year,” Stephens said. “We had girls who spent more time in the gym when they didn’t have to be there than any time since I’ve been here. They asked me every day to come in and work on things on their own and clean up the little things that kept us from being as good as we could’ve been last season.”

Part of that offseason re-dedication was for a practical reason: Coronado does not return a setter with varsity experience, so working together to gain familiarity was high on the to-do list. But there was also plenty of focus on getting bigger, stronger and more efficient after a series of close-call losses proved costly.

How they manifests itself will be interesting to watch because the Lady Mustangs’ roster composition is unique with four seniors, six juniors and two sophomores. Of those four seniors, only Josie Soto was on the varsity last season.

The most proven returning players are outside hitter Addison Andrews, middle blocker Ardisia Taylor and outside hitter Zcearia James. When Coronado clicked last season during a 12-29 campaign, one of those three, it not all of them, was usually in the middle of the Lady Mustangs’ success.

Andrews enters her third season as a starter and was one of the top players in the city last fall when she earned second-team HubCityPreps.com All-City recognition after racking up 341 digs and 298 kills.

“We will lean on those three a lot because they were so important for us last season,” Stephens said. “We need them to help the seniors who are new to the varsity get comfortable and help bring the young players up to speed.”

Some of that process is already in motion, part of the reside of the re-commitment since last the season ended abruptly last October.

Stephens said the team chemistry with this crew is the strongest she has ever encountered on and off the court.

“We have always talked about our girls caring about each other and they have done that, but they didn’t always mean they meshed on the court,” Stephens said. “This team is different. They know how to have fun and work hard at the same time, so during practice they’re not losing focus.”Which still needs to translate onto the court at game time.

Building consistency on offense and utilizing their versatility at high on the to-do list for the Lady Mustangs if they intend to bounce back in a tough District 4-5A.

“We have a good balance of returning players and experienced younger players that work well together,” Stephens said. “And on top of that, they’re really hungry to not go through what we did last year.”

Coronado’s Zcearia James is one of three juniors back this season.

SCHEDULE

End of a 25-year playoff drought sets bar high for 2023 version of Lady Mats

BY RANDY ROSETTA

Photography by HUB CITY PREPS

Progress and momentum were foreign concepts for an awful long time for Estacado. Winning one district match in 10 seasons will make those notions seem like they are way off in the horizon.

Last season dramatically changed that, though, with the Lady Matadors taking huge steps in the right direction and creating some buzz that hadn’t risen to the surface in quite a while.

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Gloria Maestas

2022 record: 12-23, 4-6 district (4th place)

Playoff results:

Lost to Stephenville 3-0 in bi-district round.

Estacado claimed a postseason spot last fall, the program’s first since 1997. The Lady Mats finished 4-6 in District 5-4A then won a playoff for seeding against Snyder. With a strong corps of players returning from that breakthrough season, everything seemed to be heading in the right direction.

But an abrupt coaching change in the spring could have derailed what Estacado had going, especially when the search for a new coach dragged on for a while. Instead of the switch at the top becoming a hinderance, however, Lubbock ISD administrators found somebody with a connection to the many of the Lady Matador players who were vital to the 2022 success, so now progress and momentum are right back on the table.

Gloria Maestas landed the Estacado job in July, replacing Mallorie Brantley, who left after one season to follow her husband Taheric Brantley back to Brownfield when he was named the Cubs’ head football coach. Normally that kind of short

turnaround could be problematic for a team fighting to gain respectability. Not for Maestas, though, because she has spent the last three seasons as a middle school coach at Dunbar where she worked with several of the current Lady Matadors.

“The group we have now are kids I have known since they were in middle school,” said Maestas, a 1999 Frenship graduate. This is her fifth year teaching at Estacado, where she was previously an assistant coach in volleyball and soccer.

“We built good relationships when they were younger and it’s exciting to get back together with them because they’re really talented.”

Three returning starters are focal to that talent level: Setter Ukiah Upshaw, middle blocker Cyvaeh Johnson and outside hitter Tashawn Spence. Upshaw was a second-team HubCityPreps.com all-city pick after she compiled 407 assists and 155 digs. Johnson and Spencer give the Lady Mats experience on the front line, and sophomore Addison Thomas will be counted on to rotate in and add a dynamic scoring threat after a solid freshman season.

Two players who will be counted to chime in more at the varsity level are senior Takyrie Ranson and junior Amari Atkins. Ranson brings energy and leadership to an outside hitter spot and Atkins has emerged as the primary Libero/defensive specialist.

Regardless of what combination Estacado has on the court, Maestas wants to see her crew seize advantage of every chance to get better.

“We need to have consistency in setting the right pace in practices and games,” Maestas said. “I very much believe that the way you practice is the way you play. We have the right talent to win, so we need to come out with a sense of urgency.”

That fits in with a major goal for Estacado this season. Breaking through last season was a huge first step, but the goal is to make sure it is just that.

“This is a group of girls that works really well together,” Maestas said. “They played together in summer league and showed me that they have a real passion for the sport. We have a lot of young ladies who have the drive to succeed.

“We’ve talked a lot about exceeding the goal that we met last year. These girls want to make it to where we raise the bar for ourselves and keep that momentum going so they can teach the younger girls how to have that same drive and build a tradition.”

Estacado’s Cyvaeh Johnson is one of the key returners for a team that made the playoffs in 2022.

Frenship enters its first season under Mangum with an eye on an extended postseason run

BY RANDY ROSETTA Photography by HUB CITY PREPS

With high-level success a not-so-distant memory, the expectations for Frenship have remained lofty and that is perfectly fine with the Tigers’ first-year coach.

Amy Mangum is back home in Lubbock, although she never got too far away in a decorated coaching career. Now she steps into the biggest challenge of her career.

Hired in late April, Mangum inherits a program that took a step back in 2022 after three consecutive strong seasons, with consecutive District 2-5A championships in 2019 and 2020. The Tigers dipped to a 15-23 finish last fall and were 6-4 in league play, which still produced a fifth consecutive postseason berth.

The goal for Mangum and Frenship is to regain the edge that made the Tigers one of the pacesetters in District 2-6A under former coach Randi Trew. Also high on the priority list: Carving out postseason success that has been elusive.

Mangum arrives after a stellar 16-year career at Shallowater, which came after a three-year stint at Brownfield. She cruised past the 500-victory plateau last season and enters her 20th season with 504 wins to her credit. And a much different canvas to work with.

the Tiger players are very much involved with.

“It’s been neat to see the sport get stronger every year, and there is absolutely an investment for the girls out here,” said Mangum, who coached at the club level as she made her way through LCU.

“You can tell by the talent level we have out here that these girls have been committed to the sport for a long time and that makes a huge difference.”

Jaycee Garza, Hadlee Welch and Lauren Villegas were all major cogs for a team in transition last season and are back to lead the way as juniors. Garza logged 353 digs and 67 assists. Villegas was a second-team all-city selection after she notched 120 kills, 85 blocks, 64 aces and 62 digs.

Mangum lauded senior Reagan Roberts for shouldering a leadership role.

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Amy Mangum

2022 record: 15-23 overall, 6-4 district (3rd place)

Playoff Results: Lost to El Paso Eastwood 3-1 in the bi-district round

Key Players Returning: Jayce Garza (Libero), Lauren Villegas (middle hitter), Hadlee Welch (outside hitter)

While Shallowater was a strong Class 3A program, the number of players to choose from was limited. With the Tigers, three middle schools feed the high school program and the district is scheduled to add a second high school in the fall of 2025.

“The biggest challenge and change for me is the sheer number of kids,” said Mangum, who played for Coronado legend Patty Jones at Coronado “I’m figuring out how to do the bigger-school things and that’s been eye-opening, but I love it.”

The transition has been smooth so far because once Mangum got to Frenship, she found a program that had the kind of foundation in place that she helped create at Shallowater. Most notably, Lubbock’s always evolving club volleyball scene is something

“We have a good core group of senior leaders back,” Mangum said. “And we have a junior group that is very strong athletically, so we can start building for the future.”

A major part of the growth process will revolve around defense.

Because of the strong club presence, the Tigers’ offensive skills are well established. A key focus will be preventing opponents from going on the kind of long runs that cost Frenship.

“We’re great offensively without a doubt, but we have to make sure we’re doing the little things better when we’re not serving,” Mangum said. “We want to improve on blocking and timing, and we’ve worked a lot on those things.

One of our strengths is our volleyball IQ and we have to be able to execute the little things that make the difference between wins and losses.”

SCHEDULE (HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS)

Frenship’s Jaycee Garza

Monterey’s Bella Champion is a key cog in the Lady Plansmen, as a junior, with 587 assists, 380 digs, 82 kills and 57 aces.

LADY PLAINSMEN

Monterey coach Kelly Lozada is counting on the depth, experience of her squad as catalyst for success in 2023

play right away.”

It will be the returning nucleus that sets the tone, though, bolstered by Champion, Laynie Bradley and Dewbre.

SCHEDULE

(HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS) AUG.

Champion was a force all over the court as a junior, with 587 assists, 380 digs, 82 kills and 57 aces. Bradley was a stout offensive presence with 291 kills, 56 assists and 24 aces and chimed in nicely on defense with 167 digs and tabbed second-team allcity. That tandem gained valuable experience and a jolt of confidence playing for Lubbock-based SouthWest Volleyball, which placed fourth nationally.

AUG.

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Kelly Lozada

2022 records: 20-19, 5-7 district (5th place)

Last trip to playoffs: 2021 – lost to Amarillo High 3-0 in the bi-district round.

Key players returning: Bell Champion, Maddison Dewbre, Layni Bradley, Ari Johnson, Emerson Satterfield

Replacing the dynamic Lusk will be a challenge, but Johnson could be a huge weapon with her size (6-foot-4) and athletic ability.

“We’re going to lean a lot on some of the experience we have back, and those girls have established a good team chemistry,” Lozada said. Which includes the other two sophomores. Satterfield’s skills as a setter will help free up Champion to attack from different spots on the court. And Dewbre brings an aggressive and relentless personality to the back line.

Incorporating the two freshmen, along with a handful of other players who have emerged on the varsity, will be vital to Monterey’s bid to close the gap in District 4-5A.

Last season, the difference between making the playoffs and not was a five-set loss to Coronado and a 2-4 record against the three Abilene schools, all of which qualified for the postseason.

“We have to work on the finer nuances, things like being in the right position on defense and pressing on our blocks,” Lozada said.

“We’re going to face other teams that are bigger than us, but we have some size, too, and that will come in handy at the net.”

LADY WESTERNERS

Lubbock High will lean on 9-senior contingent, with a talented junior crew also prominent in bid to gain some traction in District 4-5A

BY RANDY ROSETTA Photography by HUB CITY PREPS

When a program has struggled for a long while, there is a natural tendency for players to lose interest and find something else to fill their time. Attrition out of frustration.

It has been a while since Lubbock High has tasted a lot of success: The Lady Westerners are without a district victory since 2018 and have finished with single-digit win totals the last five seasons following a 7-34 finish last fall.

But that hasn’t kept a big group of seniors from showing up this season, and longtime LHS coach Matt Leesman hopes that is a promising sign of things to come.

The 14-player Lady Westerner roster features nine seniors who have endured a stretch of lean times in recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. No matter because they have kept coming back.

“They’re a focused group that has been together for a while,” Leesman said. “The big thing they want to do is get over the mental hurdle that has been around in the program for a few years. They’re hungry and want to change things. It’s tough to jump out of quicksand, but this group wants to propel themselves to do something different.”

TEAM INSIGHTS

and will play key roles at outside hitter, setter and middle blocker, respectively. Alyssa Barrera has also logged valuable time on the court and is poised to play a key role this season.

As impactful as the seniors will be, though, a strong junior class may be more determinant of where Lubbock High’s season heads.

Head coach: Matt Leesman

record: 7-34, 0-12 district

Last playoff appearance: 2014 – Lost to Canyon 3-0 in bi-district round.

SCHEDULE

(HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS)

Headlining that crew is third-year starter Bella Valdez at defensive specialist. She and middle blocker Lilly Diaz are the Lady Westerners’ most dynamic athletes, while Rianna Canono – a starter on the basketball team – also brings an edge to her versatile role. A wildcard for LHS could be junior Emma Boling, who missed the entire 2022 season with an injury. She is back in action and has shown encouraging signs of elevating her game.

The resilient senior class and the talented juniors are a blend that Leesman said could give the Lady Westerners a needed nudge toward respectability.

Bailey Litteral, Jolee Butts and Hallie Ihfe are the most experienced returners of the senior group

“We have a better talent level than we’ve had and now it’s just a matter of them playing free and loose,” Leesman said. “This is a group that has done a really good job of rolling with the punches and playing unafraid. They have fun with each other and play with a lot of energy. When they lean on that and are positive, they have a huge upside and can be really good together without regard of who is on the other side. of the net.”

Lubbock High’s Bailey Litteral brings a year of experience to the court for the Lady Westerners.

TEAM INSIGHTS

2022: 32-5, 14-0

TAPPS District 1-3A (1st place)

Key players

returning: Kat Dulin (setter), Whitlee Blacklock (Libero/defensive specialist), Reese Bruington (middleblocker), Raegan Lee (outside hitter)

Playoffs: Beat Covenant

Classical 3-0 in area round; beat Midland

Trinity 3-0 in regional round; lost to Dallas

Lutheran 3-1 in state semifinals

PREVIEW LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN

underclassmen, Lubbock Christian is poised to make another deep playoff run in 2023

BY RANDY ROSETTA Photography by HUB CITY PREPS

For a lot of programs, it might be a daunting prospect to replace several cornerstone players who were vital to a resurgence that has yielded back-to-back state semifinal appearances.

At Lubbock Christian, that challenge is certainly there but not nearly as thorny as it might seem. Because the Lady Eagles, with aspirations revved up as high as ever, with two of the city’s best players leading the way and two multisport standouts poised to play vital support roles.

Three of Lubbock Christian’s star quartet are underclassmen: Kat Dulin and Whitlee Blacklock lead the charge, while Raegan Lee and Reese Bruington, two stars from LC’s state champion basketbal team, are also back.

SCHEDULE

(HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS)

whatever unfolds this fall. Dulin blossomed into one of the top players in Lubbock in 2022 as a sophomore with 327 assists, 246 digs, 73 kills and 73 aces. Blacklock found a groove quickly on the back line for the Lady Eagles as a freshman, passing at a 2.2 rate with 380 digs. There are other veterans who will fill key roles: Addy Rogers, Quinn Bruington and Emily Galbraith all have experience in several sports under their belts. But a key for the Lady Eagles are how seamlessly two other youngsters work into the rotation.

Aug. 7 IDALOU 6 p.m.

Aug. 8 Lubbock Titans, at Littlefield 6 p.m.

Aug. 10-12 Shallowater Tournament

Aug. 15 IDALOU 7 p.m.

Aug. 22 at Friona 6 P.M.

Aug. 25-26 Denver City Tournament

Aug. 29 ALL SAINTS 6pm

Sept. 5 at Liberty 6pm

Sept. 8 COVENANT CLASSICAL 6PM

Sept. 9 TEMPLE CHRISTIAN NOON

Sept. 15 at Denton Calvary Christian* 6 p.m.

Sept. 16 at Kennedale Fellowship* NOON

Sept. 19 at Midland Trinity 6 p.m.

Sept. 23 at Weatherford Christian* NOON

Sept. 26 SAN JACINTO* 6 p.m.

Sept. 30 MIDLAND TRINITY* NOON

Oct. 7 at Lubbock Christian* NOON

Oct. 10 at San Jacinto* 6 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Covenant Classical* 6 p.m.

Oct. 14 at Temple Christian* NOON

Oct. 20 DENTON CALVARY CHRISTIAN* 6 p.m.

“We graduated a bunch of key players and big hitters, so we truly need some girls to step up and fill their shoes,” said third-year coach Nina Watts. “We’re still a work in progress for sure; we’re still trying to jell.”

Oct. 21 KENNEDALE FELLOWSHIP* 6 p.m.

* ---Denotes District Game

Sophomore Presley Hanks gained confidence from a strong season in track, and freshman Ellie Altman is a dynamic player that Watts believes could have the same kind of immediate impact that Blacklock had last season.

“Defensively we are going to be really sound with Whitlee on the back row and now Ellie ready to be the same kind of player back there,” Watts said. “That’s where our strength is going to be.

What seems firmly in place is that the Lady Eagles’ four stars will be in the middle of

“Offensively, we have to work on upping our volleyball IQ and learn how to find open spots, play smart and understand that it doesn’t have to be a big dramatic play every time. We’ll take points however we can.” At the eye of that storm will be Dulin. She was on the varsity as a freshman for the breakthrough to the state semifinals in 2021 and absorbed the nuances it takes to be an effective setter.

Whitlee Blacklock prepares to serve during a TAPPS District 1-3A match last season.

LADY LIONS

Trinity Christian has pieces in place to return to glory after a three-year hiatus from state championsip run

BY RANDY ROSETTA Photography by HUB CITY PREPS

TEAM INSIGHTS

2022: 32-12, 9-3 district (2nd place) Key players returning: Melissa Bailey (setter), Katie Holcombe (middle blocker), Meghan Norris (outside hitter)

Trinity Christian got awfully used to life on top, and who can blame them?

Climbing to the top of the TAPPS Class 4A heap five times in six years will make winning seem like a rite of passage, after all. So three seasons of not finishing where they want understandably has the Lady Lions feeling a little restless.

that it ended the career of two of the top players in recent Trinity history – outside hitter Suzanna Conner and defensive specialist Abey Sisco. Turning the page is helped by a slew of returnees, though, led by dynamic setter Melissa Bailey (958 assists, 265 digs) and Katie Holcombe (194 kills, 52 blocks, 37 aces).

SCHEDULE

It’s not something longtime coach Tyler Neal spends a lot of time reminding his crew about, but he has been around his senior-led team long enough to pick up on some cues on their collective frame of mind.

“Winning a state championship is always powerful motivation, so when a team hasn’t done it in a while, that has the same effect,” Neal said. “We really don’t talk about it a ton. We talk more about the qualities we want to have as a team and the habits we want to establish to create that desired result, and then we focus on the process.

(HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS)

Those two are among the six returning seniors, along with Mallerie Collier, Ally Frick, Addie Burnett and Mya Ballou. Collier will be part of the group the Lady Lions lean on to replace Conner, while Frick and Burnett are in competition to step in as the No. 1 Libero.

Aug. 7 SHALLOWATER 6 p.m.

Aug. 8 at Lubbock-Cooper 7 p.m.

Aug. 10-12 Shallowater Tournament

Aug. 15 IDALOU 7 p.m.

Aug. 22 ALL SAINTS 7 p.m.

Aug. 25-26 Denver City Tournament

Sept. 1-2 at Prince of Peace Tournament

Sept. 9 KINGDOM PREP 1 p.m.

Sept. 12 PLAINVIEW 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Grace Prep* 6 p.m.

Sept. 16 at Willow Park Trinity* 1 p.m.

Sept. 19 LEVELLAND 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 PANTEGO CHRISTIAN* 6 p.m.

Sept. 23 LAKE COUNTRY* 1 p.m.

Sept. 26 at Midland Classical* 6 p.m.

Sept. 30 at Covenant Christian* 1 p.m.

Oct. 6 GRACE PREP* 6 p.m.

Oct. 7 WILLOW PARK TRINITY* 1 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Pantego Christian* 6 p.m.

Oct. 14 at Lake Country* 1 p.m.

Oct. 17 MIDLAND CLASSICAL* 6 p.m.

Oct. 20 COVENANT CHRISTIAN* 6 p.m.

“We were headed in the right direction last year and we lost a real heart-breaker (in the Class 4A regional round). That gives us some confidence that we’re doing the right things, and we have a really strong contingent of girls who are hungry to take the next step.”

* ---Denotes District Game

Ballou is emblematic of a notable change in Trinity’s physical complexion. She is one of four players who check in at 6-feet or taller, joined by junior Allie Klein, sophomore Abby McKinley and freshman Ryleigh Conner, Suzanna Conner’s younger sister.

“We’re going to have a lot more size than we’ve had the last few years,” Neal said. “You can’t coach height, and that’s a nice advantage to put extra pressure on the other team’s offense. It’s a nice luxury to have.”

Nothing would be more advantageous, though, than a veteran team finding the right chemistry early in the season and building toward a crescendo by November – which is what Neal believes this Lady Lion team can do.

That heart-breaker was a four-set loss to Prince of Peace last fall after Trinity won the first set, preventing a rematch with district foe Grace Prep in the semifinals. The Lady Lions, who finished 32-12 last season, split during the regular season with Grace Prep, which went on to claim the state crown.

Making that loss sting a little more was the fact

“Finding a level of consistency is something I’d like to see us do early in the season and then we need to establish the kind of discipline on the court to where we’re sustaining good play for longer stretches and not having lapses in focus or dips in emotional intensity,” he said. “We have a good group of talented players and can attack in different ways. I like the makeup of this team and the fact that they’re hungry only helps.”

Trinity Christian’s Meghan Norris is one of a strong returning core that the Lady Lions will lean on in 2023.

SETTING THE STANDARD

Lubbock Christian and Trinity Christian had seasons to remember in 2022 as both made deep runs in the TAPPS state play-offs. LCHS was crowned State Champion in 1-3A and TCHS reached the 1-4A State Semifinals. Continued success in 2023 from the Premier Autos of West Texas family.

NAME CL

Jaxson Stone Sr.

Clayton Vincent Jr.

Brody Rowin Jr.

Cannon Reed Sr.

Kouper Boyd Sr.

Cooper Martin So.

Blaine St. Clair Jr.

Eli Bowe Sr.

Rocky Vela Sr.

Hudson Franklin Jr.

Cade Burt Jr.

Dalton Baldridge Sr.

Taden Logan Jr.

Cooper Manning Jr.

Brayden Gurney Jr.

Kaden Canchola Sr.

Kale Moore Jr.

Dylan Stewart Sr.

Jaiden Gutierrez Sr.

Rylen Blackburn Jr.

Rylen Ramos Jr.

Luke Fisher Sr.

Lorenzo Nino Sr.

Alex Rodriguez Jr.

Nick Molina Sr.

Andrew Garcia Jr.

Daniel Foerster Jr.

Landyn Huntsman Sr.

Matthew Rios Jr.

Blaine Blackmon Sr.

Elias Olivarez Sr.

Brannon Foerster Jr.

Jaysyn Dobbs Jr.

Brady Weaver Jr.

Champ Clanahan So.

Gerrit Boschma So.

Kasen Long Sr.

Noah Clausen Sr.

SCHEDULE

HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS

Aug. 25 at Monahans 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 SEMINOLE 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 HEREFORD 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Mid. Greenwood 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Idalou 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 PECOS 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Dalhart* 7p.m.

Oct. 20 BUSHLAND* 7 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Muleshoe* 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 RIVER ROAD* 7 p.m.

*Denotes District Game

Shallowater Mustangs return talented core

BY DOUG HENSLEY

Photography by The Ola Media Group

Now in his third year at the helm, Shallowater coach Rodney Vincent sees the fruits of committed coaching labor paying dividends.

Not that there was any crisis shaping up. The Mustangs rolled to a 10-2 record and a District 2-3A Division 1 championship in a 2022 season that ended at the hands of Paradise with a three- point loss in the area round of the playoffs. Consistency is its own reward, and Shallowater’s players have grown more familiar and comfortable with Vincent’s system each year.

“I’ve really been pleased with the progress,” said Vincent, who brought his successful resume to Shallowater from Class 6A Cedar

Park Vista Ridge in the Austin area. “That’s especially true this year. As a staff, we’ve talked about the things we spent time on the first year are now things they’ve already got down.”

That’s important because Vincent has already turned the page on the successes and high points of the 2022 season. A fresh opportunity awaits, and he wants to see this year’s team make the most of it.

“The way I’ve always approached it is how do we take this team and make sure we get the very best out of them,” Vincent said. “Every year the goal for every team is to win a state championship. This is a brand-new team this year, so how do we become the best version of ourselves? It’s a process where you take one step at a time and then move on to the next step.”

For Shallowater, the offensive and defensive concepts really started clicking into place about midway through 2022. The team played faster and with more confidence, and that translate into success.

This year the Mustangs return a good nucleus of experienced players and will look to newcomers to make the most of opportunities to prove themselves.

Shallowater Hot as

Shallowater operates out of a pistol spread attack that leans more toward the run but also leverages the passing game. The team will once again count on running back Cannon Reed, who was a first-team all-district selection on offense and defense a year ago. Kouper Boyd is another threat after racking up more than 1,000 rushing yards last season.

“We feel good about the tailback group,” Vincent said. “We expect the backfield to be solid, and we feel like we’re really deep at receiver. That’s also a deep group.” Vincent expects to see good competition for the quarterback job with Clayton Vincent and Cooper Martin among the candidates. Providing protection for whoever ultimately wins that job will be left tackle Kasen Long, a Texas Tech commit, and Dan Foerster at right tackle. For now, the area of concern is at center, where the Mustangs need to replace a proven commodity.

“We lost a good center,” Rodney Vincent said. “We have good candidates there and at quarterback. We think they’re capable, but you’re talking about the middle of the offense with the quarterback and the center, and sometimes the only way to find out fast is on game

night so we won’t really know for sure until then.”

Defensively, Lorenzo Nino was the district’s defensive MVP last season and returns at defensive end. He brings plenty of pressure as a pass rusher. Luke Fisher and Rylen Ramos are proven linebackers, and Clayton Vincent was an all-district safety a year ago.

“I am really excited about Lorenzo being back,” Rodney Vincent said. “I like our defensive front with him, Champ Clanahan and Kasen Long. We’re also deep at linebacker. That’s a good group, but we have a couple of good players in thesecondary we need to replace, and we’ve got good candidates.” Rodney Vincent said the always-tough district may be stronger than ever this year. “Bushland is a very good team and they’re highly ranked in the preseason,” he said.

“Muleshoe will be tough, and Dalhart will be much improved, and then River Road is always strong in terms of skill position players so every week will be a challenge. “But I am proud of the way our kids have worked. We have a great group of guys, and they are bought in to what we’re trying to do.”

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Rodney Vincent (3rd year) Assistant Coaches: Brad Davis, Ben Huffman, Steve Adams, Chase Clanahan, Jarek Black, Bubba Wallace, Ian Walraven,Matt Gerber, Taylor Null, Pete Cortez, Jared Aven, Jay Lusk, Keith Kitchens, Alex Johnson.

Last season: 10-2, 5-0 in District 2-3A Division 1

Playoffs: Defeated Lamesa 41-3 in bi-district; lost to Paradise 17-14 in area .

Leadership team in shallowater includes from left, #2 - Clayton Vincent, #8 - Eli Bowe, #35 - Luke Fisher, #52 Nick Molina, #4 Cannon Reed, #78 Kason Long, #40 - Lorenzo Nino.

core of skilled perfomers after succussful 2022 football season a Pistol

FORD season Golden Tornados”

ROSTER NAME POS CL

Xavier Zorola SB-DB Jr.

Richie Dimas WR-DB Sr.

Diego Vidaurre WR-DB Sr.

Zivan Boyd QB-DB Jr.

Sabdy Rangel-Bautista K-P So.

Pedro Barrioz WR-DB Sr.

Hector Zamora QB-LB Jr.

Elijah Maldonado RB-LB Sr.

Braylon Hood SB-DB Sr.

Chris Vargas SB=DB Sr.

Ja’Kobie Dimas FB-LB So.

Deev Lugo WR-DB So.

Ayden Barrioz FB-DB Jr.

Jamie Sanchez SB-LB Sr.

Cameron Rocha TE-DL Jr.

James Morales TE-DL Jr.

Benito Barrioz FB-LB Jr.

Nathaniel Vasquez FB-LB Jr.

Ivan Garcia OL-LB So.

Evan Sepeda OL-DL Sr.

Jordan Martinez So. OL DL

Clement Kutter OL-DL So.

Ruben Cardoza OL-DL So.

Rogelio Vela OL-DL Sr.

Jake Gonzales OL-DL Jr.

Noah Garcia OL-DL Sr.

Johnathan Iglesias OL-DL Sr.

Aiden Marmalejo OL-DL Sr.

Jaysen Gamez OL-DL Sr.

Hilario Ortiz OL-DL Jr.

Zyren Gonzales TE-LB Jr.

Esteban Acosta WR-LB Sr.

SCHEDULE

Golden Tornados to rely on strong ground game in order to have success under Coach Joseph Hood in 2023

BY DOUG HENSLEY

Photography by The Ola Media Group

Progress is being made in Lamesa. Now, it may not be as much or as quick as head coach Joseph Hood likes, but the signs are there, and that is reason for optimism.

The Golden Tornados ended a lengthy playoff drought in 2020 and have reached the postseason two out of the last three years. Now the next step is to not only make the playoffs, but also hang around once they are there. The team’s postseason foray last fall was brief as Lamesa fell to Shallowater in bi-district action.

“We haven’t won a playoff game, but I feel like the kids are working to get to that level of understanding as far as what it takes to get there,” Hood said. “We have guys here now who were on both of those teams that made the playoffs. The mentality has changed from, ‘We’ve made it’ to ‘Let’s go win it.’

“It’s created more hunger for them to be successful. Theywant to leave a gold ball in the trophy case and do what’s necessary to put that in motion.”

Hood is in his fifth year at Lamesa and his fourth as head coach. He says players have a better grasp on the run-oriented offense he prefers.

Lamesa Off and

*Denotes

District Game

Head coach Joseph Hood will be counting on, left, #45 - James Morales, #63, Rogelio Vela, #87. Esteban Acosta and #7, Pedro Barrioz to lead the 2023 Tornados to backto-back playoff appearances.

“They have the concepts and the things we’re doing schematically down,” he said. “I feel like they have a pretty good understanding. We have some time with them during the summer now, and we’ve been able to hone in on things and make some little changes. They’ve adapted well. We’re excited because this is an experienced group we have back.”

The Golden Tors work out of the pistol flexbone attack, which has a lot in common with the triple-option, although Lamesa will include a few offensive wrinkles here and there.

“The triple-option is who we are,” he said, “although we’re not like some flexbone teams because we will throw it as we see fit. Our kids understand the passing game and adding that in to what we’re doing.” Offensive success is a result of the quarterback’s ability tomake good reads and quick decisions. For Lamesa, Pedro Barrios and Hector Zamora are the top candidates for the job,and both will see extensive action in the backfield, regardless ofhow the competi-

tion shakes out.

Branden Hood, Elijah Maldonado and Xavier Rosa are other running back candidates, while Diego Addare should see playing time at wide receiver. On the front line, Jonathan Iglesia, Cutter Clemmons, Abe Marmolejo and Abe Garcia all have extensive experience.

“All of those guys played in the playoff game last year, and we’re going to be counting on those guys up front to be the ones leading the charge,” Hood said.

Hood is counting on the offensive line to provide leadership, especially early as other players settle into their roles.

“Having those guys up front with that experience with what we do offensively is tremendous,” he said. “We have a pretty big offensive front, and they have played significant roles since their sophomore season. They have been in lots of meaningful games, and that should be huge for us as an offense.”

Defensively, the Golden Tors will base out of a 3-4 alignment with James Morales and Cameron Rocha at the defensive ends. Hector Zamora is back for a third season starting at strongside linebacker while Elijah Maldonado has experience in the secondary.

“We have enough good athletes to get done

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Joseph Hood (4th season)

Assistant coaches: Logan Falkenbury, Matt Hood, Collin Justiss, Michael Aleman, Ramon Arguelles, Steve Garcia, Noe Gonzalez, Adrian Sorola, Reese Puckett

Last season: 2-8 (1-3 in District 1-3A Division 1).

Playoffs: Lost 41-3 to Shallowater in bi-district round.

what we need to get done,” Hood said. “I can’t say enough about Hector Zamora. He has been our leading tackler the last two years, and he has impact both on offense and defense.” Hood once again expects a highly competitive district race.

“We have three new head coaches in the district, and it looks like Brownfield and Slaton are going to be two of the most athletic teams in the district,” he said.

“Once Shallowater moved out of the district, Denver City became the team to chase, and they’re talented again. When you play in this district, you better bring all of your weight with you and be ready to go because it’s a fight every night.”

ROSTER

NAME POS CL

Landon Hiebert WR-DB Jr.

Logan Mennel WR-DB Sr.

Kutter Houchin WR-DB Jr.

Kash Koontz WR-DB Jr.

Aiden Sanchez DB-RB Sr.

Tate Hendley DB-RB Sr.

Nicholas Estrada WR-DB Jr.

Lucas Jarnagin OL-DL Jr.

Blake Dyas DB -RB Sr.

Jenson Davis RB-LB Jr.

Aiden Barrera DB-WR So.

Tanner Chisum DB-LB Sr.

Jacolby Cantu DB-RB Sr.

Braiden Leatherwood RB-DB Sr.

Gentry Pounds LB-RB Jr.

Ethan Hunsaker DL-OL Jr.

Tilson Smith LB-OL Sr.

Jack Henley LB-OL Sr.

Jacob Gonzalez TE-DL Sr.

JT Hodges DL-OL Sr.

Antonio Hernandez DB-OL Sr.

Nathan Gomez DL-OL Sr.

Brayden Dominguez DL-OL Jr.

Apollo Rodriguez OL-DL Sr.

Colton Hurst K-OL-DL Jr.

Gaston Bustos DL-OL Sr.

Carter Crump TE-DL Sr.

SCHEDULE

Second year in coach Clay White’s system has Wildcats in a more comfortable position to execute

BY DOUG HENSLEY

Photography by The Ola Media Group

In many ways, 2022 was just another season at the office for Idalou – a strong regular season followed by a deep playoff run. Not a bad opening act for first-year coach Clay White, who goes into his second year at the helm with a good crop ofexperienced players and the usual set of great expectations forthe program.

“It’s important to have those expectations and a winning culture in place,” he said. “You want your players have that hunger and thirst to be successful.”

Last year, the Wildcats finished with a 9-4 record, including a 4-1 mark in District 4-3A Division 2. The runner-up finish propelled Idalou into the postseason, where the Wildcats notched a hard-fought bi-district win over Friona and an easier area-round victory against Crane before they ran into Wall in the regional semifinals and their season ended.

Now with another year of familiarity in White’s system under their belts, Idalou is hoping again to be a force to be reckoned with.

“There’s a vast difference between this time last year and this year,” White said. “They have it under their belts, and it’s been much more fluid and smooth. You could see it during the offseason, but

Idalou Return

From left, #9 - Lucas Jarnagin, #81 Carter Crump, #73 - Apollo Rodriguez, #62 - Antonio Hernandez, #63 - Nathan Gomez, #74 - Colton Hurst, #5 - Kash Koontz, #2- Landon Hiebert, at backleft, RB, #10 - Blake Dyas, QB, #7 - Tate Hendley and RB, #15 - Aiden Sanchez.

there’s been a drastic difference as far as familiarity and comfort with things between year one and year two.” While the Wildcats run a spread offense, they incorporate enough of the running game to keep opponents honest. The team returns four starters on each side of the ball as well as other players who saw significant playing time in the rotation.

“We call it multiple spread,” White said. “We line a tight end up out there so it’s not the true spread, but it gives us the ability to play fast and to work from the no-huddle.”

Tate Hendley, who won the starting quarterback job four games into the season last year, is back at the controls. Hendley is a talented multi-sport athlete who gives Idalou a threat running and passing. Among the team’s capable receivers are Landon Hiebert and Lucas Jarnagin. Meanwhile, Blake Dyas is expected to anchor the running game. A big area of encouragement so far is the offensive line. Colton Hurst and Antonio Hernandez are returning starters who provide experience up front.

“I feel good about our offensive line,” White said. “We have some athletes coming back who have experience there. “I also think we have speed across the board, and I feel good about that, especially in our running backs and wide receiv-

ers. We graduated some good players from last year’s team, but I feel we may be faster overall this year.”

Defensively, Idalou operates out of a 4-2-5 alignment, and the team will alternate between even and odd fronts. Kash Koontz and JT Hodges will be anchors on the defensive line. Hodges was the team’s leading tackler in 2022.

“Our defensive line should be our strength,” he said. “We return our core players there while we’re going to be inexperienced on the back end of the defense, at least starting out. We have guys who will have an opportunity to prove themselves. We steadily improved last season as guys settledinto their roles.”

White knows there is no such thing as a night off in District 4- 3A, but he believes a tough non-district schedule coupled with the rigors of league play prepares teams for postseason success.

“Our schedule is difficult, district and non-district,” he said. “Annually, this district produces a team that reaches regional semifinals and beyond. You feel like in this district you are going to be battle-tested, and you gain great experience from

that. It takes something special to get through this gauntlet. Itreally gets you ready, and you feel like you have survived.”

Idalou knows a little something about coming out on the other side of a tough battle and moving on. The Wildcats are one of the area’s most decorated programs, and they understand whatit takes to win.

“It’s contagious,” White said. “It’s momentum and culture,and it builds upon itself, but it takes kids who understandcommitment and hard work and who just work to build on it year after year.”

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Clay White (2nd season)

Assistant coaches: Taylor Cain, Zane Mauney, Jaren Shipp, Clint White, Chris Samaniego, Brody Anthony, Thomas Brockman, Jacob Thompson, Garrett Heard.

2022 season: 9-4 (4-1 in District 4-3A Division 2).

Playoffs: Defeated Friona 24-21 in bi-district round; defeated Crane 28-0 in area round; lost to Wall 30-0 in regional semifinals.

Return of the Cat

Nathan Brown Sr.

Alden Ysaguirre Sr.

Slade Martin Sr.

Tyler Bigham Sr.

Destry Griffis Sr.

Dallas Sumner So.

Konner Vasquez Sr.

Shane Robinson Jr.

Zack Sosa Sr.

Josiah Gamez Sr.

Bryson Houston Sr.

Troy Gomez Jr.

Mason Rodriguez So.

Albert Nunez Sr.

Mason Martinez Sr.

Zariyn Brown Sr.

Josiah Lucio Fr.

David Aguirre So.

Bryce Broadus Jr.

Ray Alonzo So.

Alijah Mendoza Jr.

Bradyn Garner So.

Cadyn Garner So.

Isaiah Santoyo So.

Jaxon Rivera So.

Riley White So.

JP Rangel Jr.

Dalton Martin So.

Robert Pierce Jr.

Matthew Martinez So.

Mason Mondragon Jr.

Alden Martinez Jr.

Jonathan Alonzo So.

Troy Gomez Jr.

Rylan Aguilar So.

Kolten Marin So.

Bryan Ramos Jr.

BY DOUG HENSLEY

Photography by The Ola Media Group

Matt Hill looks at his New Deal roster and sees a team hardened by good and bad experiences last season and ready to uphold its reputation as one of the most tradition-steeped programs in the area.

Things looked rough last year when the Lions lost their first two games and three of their first four, but New Deal rebounded from the early adversity and found its footing.

“We started a little slow,” said Hill, now in his 10 th season. “But we found a way and got our kids in position to be successful. We finished 9-4 and went three rounds deep in the playoffs. The goal this year is to go farther. I was really pleased with the way they responded last season.”

The Lions rolled to playoff victories over Amarillo Highland Park and Forsan before falling to Cisco in the Class 2A Division 1 regional round, 33-14.

“We’ve got a good number of kids back, and we’ve got some shoes to fill,” Hill said. “We have talent on both sides of the ball, and I’m excited about our team. They showed a lot of commitment during the summer, and one

New Deal Pride

Expectations are always high for the Lions; doing things consistently over the years is one reason they often meet them

thing that’s true is we’ve had great talent here at New Deal through the years.”

The Lions’ offense will once again depend heavily upon sophomore quarterback Dallas Sumner, who started six games last season and demonstrated good decision-making skills. Slade Martin is a senior running back, and the Lions will work to make sure he receives plenty of opportunities. Rounding out the offensive threats is senior receiver Nathan Brown. Aiden Ysaguirre and Connor Vasquez are also quality offensive players who will give New Deal additional firepower.

“I think we will be pretty balanced offensively,” Hill said, “but we need to be able to run the ball better than we throw it. Last year we were pretty close to 50-50 passing and running. We need to have success with both. Our best chance will be in attacking them and giving good effort every play.” Success will hinge on the team’s offensive line, which Hill said is an area where players will have to step up and deliver.

Hill said Albert Nunez and Mason Rodriguez are two athletes who have experience from last season, but there will be some retooling of the offensive front.

“That’s where we really have shoes to fill,” he

said. “We need to get our offensive line group built up. We had a really good senior group of linemen last year, so that’s an area of emphasis for us right now.”

Defensively, the Lions will count on some of the same players. Martin will be counted on heavily to lead the way from a linebacker spot. The Lions have experience sprinkled throughout the roster. Equally important, Hill has built a winning culture through the years and while tradition doesn’t block or tackle, it is a collective point of pride for the program and the community.

“A lot of kids have played here through the years,” Hill said. “We have players whose fathers have played in the program, and they talk to our players. We have had a lot of consistency through the years. When you’re running the same things and doing things the same way for 15-20 years, you don’t have a lot of change, and these things help create your tradition. One of the main things it does is reduces the learning curve in your program. That’s going to be important as Hill once again expects an extremely competitive District 2-2A. “It’s tough from top to bottom,” he said.

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Matt Hill (10th season)

Assistant coaches: Kyle Carver, Rex Whitfield, Kedric Carver, Kyler Bean, Killon Moats, Martin Adams, Todd Korcchenko,Korbin Conatser, Charlie Madgwic

2022 record: 9-4 (5-0 in District 2-2A Division 1).

Playoffs: Defeated Amarillo Highland Park 71-18 in bi-district round; defeatedForsan 35-11 in area round; lost to Cisco 33-14 in regional round.

Leading the Lions in coach Matt Hill’s 10th season will be #7 - Slade Martin. #25 - Bryce Broadus. #19 Konner Vasquez. #5 - Aiden Ysaquirre, #3 - Nathan Brown. #10Destry Griffis.

in the Pack

NAME POS CL

Brody Shadden WR-DB Sr.

Elijah Trejo QB-DB Sr.

Carson Curry TE-LB Sr.

Mavrick Shadden WR-DB Jr.

Levi Carrillo WR-LB Sr.

Keagan Russum WR-DB Sr.

Austin Fisher WR-DB Sr.

Aaron Russum WR-DB Jr.

Lance Ponciano RB-LB Sr.

Dane Provost TE-LB Sr.

Gavin Lemons WR-LB Jr.

Alan Macias WR-LB Sr.

Rolando Martinez WR-DB Jr.

Caleb Brown RB-LB Jr.

Braeden Abell WR-DB Sr.

Luke Maldonado TE-LB Jr.

Dyson Garcia OL-DL Jr.

Jacob Lemonds OL-DL Sr.

Kelton Carver OL-DL Jr.

David Castanon OL-DL Sr.

Zander Salinas OL-DL Jr.

Jackson Arrington OL-DL Jr.

Brendon Gallion OL-DL Sr.

Carson Lemons OL-DL Jr.

McClendon Miller TE-LB Sr.

BY DOUG HENSLEY

Photography by The Ola Media Group

Abernathy had another good season in 2022, but that’s come to be expected at a program accustomed to winning district titles and deep playoff runs.

“I’ve been here seven years, and the tradition was here before I was,” said coach Justin Wiley, who is starting his fourth year at the helm. “We tell our kids they can expect to get everyone’s best effort. Everyone wants to be Abernathy.” Last year, the Antelopes mustered an 8-3 record and went undefeated in District 4-3A Division 2, but the playoff stay wasshort with a 21-7 to Spearman in the bi-district round.

“We have to be ready for everyone’s best and most enthusiastic effort,” Wiley said. “That’s the way it is. We preach that to them starting in seventh grade, and it doesn’t change.” Opponents can expect to get Abernathy’s best in return this year. The Antelopes return five starters on each side of the ball, and they have capable athletes ready to step in where needed.

“We have a really cohesive unit,” Wiley said.

Abernathy Tradition

For Abernathy, the leadership level of the upper class is the catalyst for the success of the team year over year

“We had a couple of kids move away, so our kids really rallied around each other. They’ve been out there working hard and working together. The last week of our summer workouts are player-led workouts, and those were some of the best we had all summer.

The kids really did a good job leading each other.” Like so many other teams around the area, the Antelopes use the spread attack. They expect good things on offense thanks to returning running back Alan Macias, who surpassed 1,000 rushing yards a year ago, and four returning offensive linemen.

“It’s good that we have a strong offensive line and a strongrunning back because we’ll have a new quarterback,” he said.

“With a younger quarterback coming in, he will be a little inexperienced, but there will be experience all around him.” Elijah Trejo is set to step in at quarterback. He is a junior who directed the Abernathy junior varsity to a solid 8-2 campaign last year. “He’s a mobile kid who throws well on the run,” Wiley said.

“He’s not selfish. By that, I mean he can stand there and hand it off and be just fine. He won’t mind distributing the football.”

Defensively, the Antelopes return experience at linebacker and free safety with team leaders Levi Carillo, Dane Provost and Macias all returning after outstanding campaigns a year ago, but

Wiley believes the team will have plenty of options. “The last two years, our JV has been 7-3 two years ago and 8-2 last year,” he said. “Those guys are varsity players now, and they’ve been part of a successful program. They understand the standards, so we’re excited about seeing them step in and do some things this year.”

Wiley said the key for the Antelopes on defense will be how well they stop the run.

“At our level, you’ve got to be able to stop the run or you will never see a pass,” he said. “You have to make plays in space, and if you do, you have a great chance of success. If not, you’re going to give up a lot of big plays.”

Meanwhile, it will be just as important on offense that the team limit mistakes and not give opponents anything easy.

“You have to limit your turnovers, and you have to be able to un the ball,” he said. “You have to distribute the ball enough to keep the defense honest. Two years ago when we made it to the regional finals, we were right at a 50-50 split on

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Justin Wiley (4th season)

Assistant coaches: Jaime Carrasco, Shay Easterwood, Adam Faith, Cash Fortune, Ryan McCallister, David Revilla, Drew Thompson, Corey White

Last season: 8-3 overall (5-0 in District 4-3A Division II.

Playoffs: Lost to Spearman 21-7 in bi-district round.

running and passing. Last year we won district with a 70-30 split running. A good spread team at our level, you need to be 60-40 or 50-50.”

Wiley knows winning another district championship won’t be easy against the usual strong array of competition.

“A couple of teams have changed coaches this year so that’s something to watch for,” he said. “Coahoma has a great staff. Idalou is probably the closest in the district to being built like us, and it’s always a big matchup every time we play. All the staffs are similar. They work hard.”

Tradition Rolls

From left, # 7Levi Carrillo, # 14 - Dane Provost, # 53 - Jacob Lemonds, #21 - Alan Macias and #11 - Jackson Hoel lead one of the areas stingyest defenses for Abernathy in 2023.

Jax Alford

Vasquez

SCHEDULE

BY DOUG HENSLEY

Photography by The Ola Media

Group

Where someone else coming in as the new head coach at Slaton might see challenge, Clint Conkin sees opportunity.

After a seven-season stint at Clarendon, Conkin was tabbed to lead the Tigers’ program in March. He hit the ground running and has been busy ever since. “I’ve enjoyed our kids, and we’ve got some great athletes,” he said. “We have speed and we have some size. We just need to get them in a system. I think that’s the deal. They have the tools.

They just need guidance and direction, and they could do some really special things.”

There’s nowhere to go but up for the Tigers, who went 0-10 last season, but tasted significant success at the state track meet last May. And there’s the optimism that comes with change.

“We started slowly putting the offense in, and they’ve picked things up really well,” Conkin said. “Some of this is brand new, but some of it isn’t. They’ve seen bits and pieces of it since junior high, and I think once we move into two-a-days, they will

Level of commitment the Tigers have had since spring football has new coach Clint Conkin excited about the season, team Slaton Sudden

really pick it up quick.”

Offensively, the Tigers will work from a slot-I attack. Conkin also spent time as a coach in Littlefield, where the Wildcats employed the slot-I with great success.

“It’s typically a run-heavy offense, but we will throw the ball some,” he said. “We want to line up and run right at you. That’s our offense, and that’s what fits these kids well, from what I’ve seen, as far as tailback, fullback slotback and linemen.”

The Tigers have two seasoned veterans back to lead the offense in Tomas Geronimo and Xzavion Whaley.

“I think both of those guys will get a lot of carries,” Conkin said. “They are fast and strong. I was fortunate to have some good athletes at Clarendon, and these two guys are right there in that mold.” Zamion Davila and Jacob Lopez are contenders at slotback and both provide the breakaway speed running attacks need for sustained success. Daniel Payne will have a chance to contribute at tight end, and Conkin said there are other solid players capable of stepping up at receiver.

“We’re going to have some weapons as far as guys we can throw to,” he said. “We have weapons at the skill positions.”

Everything will hinge on the team’s ability to block. Last year, the Tigers were a spread offense team, and this year’s switch to a run-oriented attack will require a different approach up front.

“It will be a change for them,” Conkin said of his linemen. “I have faith in them. It’s a little different putting your hand in the ground and sticking your nose in there compared to pass blocking. It will be an adjustment, but we have big, strong young men.”

On defense, the Tigers will use a 3-4 with an emphasis on allowing the scheme to leverage the team’s speed. “It will allow our athletes to be a little more free and get to the ball quickly,” Conkin said.

For the Tigers to turn things around, they will need more depth, which will help them down the stretch when games are close.

“If we have the numbers, it would be great to limit how many play on both sides of the ball,” Conkin said. “We have athletes who were really

good on defense who we may need to play both ways. Once we get in pads, it will be easy to find thosee hungry and ready to do something football-wise.”

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Clint Conkin, (1st year)

Assistant coaches: Ryun Martinez, Tracy Huseman, Alto Gaines, Albert Lopez, Jace Chancellor, Justin Christopher, Dilon Chancellor, Kerry Teafatiller, Bobby Barrera, Zach Nava, Colton Stegall. Last season: 0-10 (0-5 in District 1-3A, Division 1)

#7 - Thomas Geronimo, left, and #2 - Xzavion Whaley, at right, will be counted on to lead a bevy of athletes ready to improve on a 2022 campaign that yielded zero wins. First-year coach Clint Conkin knows how to get it done. He has built winners before, most recently at Clarendon.

Sudden Impact

BY DOUG HENSLEY

Photography by The Ola Media Group

Despite what one might think from the outside looking in, there is nothing easy about the life of a kicker.

They hang out on the sideline, and many times the only time they’re noticed is when something doesn’t go like it is supposed to.

Meet Tyler Madsen, who handles all the kicking chores for Trinity Christian High School, and who has a firm understanding of the ups and downs that come with the job.

“You have to put the work in,” he said. “A big part of it is the mental game. I’ve read books about sports psychology, and those have helped a ton as far as learning tactics things to help tune out the noise.”

Madsen is a senior and one of the more talented kickers in the region. Nothing has come easy, though, including his transition from an undersized offensive linemen to a

dependable kicking specialist.

“I was a 5-9 sophomore trying to block guys bigger and faster,” he said. “I couldn’t keep up with them. I didn’t have the right frame and was in a vulnerable place. Eventually, I wound up hurting my left shoulder and handled kickoffs for the rest of the year.”

That was the end of his days as an offensive linemen. In the years since, Madsen has devoted himself to the kicking craft, working to become better every day.

“It’s a lot of work,” he said. “One of the things you hear is, ‘He’s just a kicker,’ but there are a lot of things going on behind the scenes that people don’t see like 7 a.m. workouts and kicking two and three times a week for two or so hours. If you want to get better, those are the things you have to do.”

It’s that kind of attention to detail that head coach Riley White was quick to notice.

“Tyler is a team first guy,” he said. “He warms up, practices and conditions with the team. Tyler’s not just a kicker. He’s a football

Trinity Christian’s Tyler Madsen gets his kicks through hard work, dedication to being the very best he can be

player who handles kicks and punts, and he’s worked tirelessly to master those crafts.”

Madsen also has four kicking coaches who help him with every aspect of the game.

“One of the things I hear from them is kicking is 80 percent mental and 20 percent physical,” he said. “You miss one kick and you get down on yourself, and next thing you know, you miss the next one too. There is a lot of pressure that comes when you’re trying a field goal, even if it isn’t a game winner.

“The crowd is pumped up. The lights are on. The adrenaline is rushing. I try to tune out the crowd as much as possible, but sometimes it’s crazy. You have to trust yourself and trust your craft and go back to how long you’ve been training.”

During the reason, Madsen said he trains two or three times a week while working three to four times a week during the offseason. It’s just what he does to be ready to contribute to the team.

“There are times when you feel like you’re

done and you don’t want to do it anymore, but you have to push through it because at the end of the day quitters never win,” he said. “You have to reach your goal, and ultimately, you help the team that way.

Every kicker wants to make every kick, but that’s not something that happens all the time. It’s rare to make them all, but you have to set your goals high so you are confident in yourself.”

Madsen said he started kicking as a seventh grader and then began polishing his skills through lessons prior to his sophomore year.

“There’s going to be a lot of ups and downs,” he said. “The longer you do it, the easier it gets to some extent, but it also gets harder. You can be on a roll for a month and then just have a slump where you are absolutely terrible. There are a lot of fundamentals, and punting is harder because you have to have the right tilt and the right drop, and the wind in Lubbock is definitely a challenge.”

Now, as he gears up for his senior year and thinks about possibly kicking at the collegiate level, he has seriously lofty goals.

“I want to make every field goal and every extra point,” he said. “I want to have a good punt percentage, and I want every kickoff to be a touchback. But that’s just part of it. I am also a teammate and I want to encourage my teammates. I’m on the sideline a lot so I want to be there for them. I hope this is a really good year and we win a lot of games.

“But I really hope we take something out of this year, whether that’s a state championship or a big life lesson. There is a family bond here, and you see it as part of the team.

It’s always nice to have that at the end of the day.”

Tyler Madsen practices to perfect the craft of kicking with the same consistency that he puts into action in being there for his team.

Kick Started

ROSTER

NAMEt POS CL

Adian Russell WR-DB Sr.

Bram Raven RB-DB Sr.

Sebastian Sandoval RB-DB Jr.

Noah Salas WR-DB SR.

Brit Weller WR-DB Sr.

Nathen Casarez QB-DB Jr.

Logan Bartlett RB-LB Sr.

Jacob Betancur RB-LB Sr.

David Hagood RB-LB Sr.

Jaden Zuniga RB-LB So.

Jakevion Cubit TE-DL JR.

Cooper Bland WR-DB Jr.

Josh Diaz RB- DB Jr.

Carson Simmons WR-LB Sr.

Angel Olivares RB-LB Sr.

Cristian Castillo RB-LB Jr.

Michael Calzada TE-DL Sr.

Jamario Thweartt TE-DL Sr.

Dakota Zuber WR-LB Sr.

Jeremiah Garsas TE-LB Sr.

Angel Duran OL-DL Sr.

JP Naranjo OL-DL Jr.

Mathieu Rocha OL-DL Sr.

Adan Arroyos OL-DL Jr.

Keith Lugo OL-DL Jr.

Dominic Hernandez OL-DL Jr.

Timothy Tobias OL-DL Jr.

Jesse Casas OL-DL Sr.

Xavier Garcia OL-DL Sr.

Brock Schuette OL-DL So.

Jonathan Harris TE-DL So.

BY DOUG HENSLEY

Photography by The Ola Media Group

There will be no secrets about how Roosevelt plans to attack opponents on offense this year. The Eagles plan to be grounded.

Carter Robinson, the team’s new coach, said Roosevelt will use a running attack with the plan to grind out yardage and chew up clock.

“We’re going to run the triple-option and pound the football,” he said. “That’s going to be our bread-and-butter right there.”

Roosevelt went 4-7 in 2022 and reached the playoffs, where the Eagles dropped a bi-dis-

trict decision to Canadian. With plenty of experience back, Robinson said he believes Roosevelt can hold its own in District 4-3A Division 2.

“We have teams like Abernathy and Idalou in this district, and they are always good football teams,” Robinson said. “Coahoma has young athletes and is similar to us, and Littlefield and Slaton are good teams. We have to be consistent all season and give ourselves a chance to win games in the fourth quarter.

Robinson was promoted from the defensive coordinator post last season, so the learning curve has not been steep because he’s familiar with the personnel.

“We hit the ground running in spring football and kept rolling from there,” he said. “It’s the same offense, the same defense, and the kids are familiar with it. There are some new things, but overall, they are buying into it. We’ve

The offensive game plan never changes for Roos Roosevelt Back to

got great senior leadership, and we’re excited about the upcoming year.”

The Eagles will count heavily on quarterback Nate Casarez, who played all 11 games last year and proved himself a playmaker. At running back, Roosevelt has Sebastian Sandoval and Bram Raven. The team’s fullback is Angel Olivares, who is expected to be a key cog in the run-heavy attack.

“Angel is a senior and the rock of the team,” Robinson said. “We’ll hand him the ball and hope for three yards and a cloud of dust. All of our running backs have experience, and that will be huge for us.”

The ground game will only be as solid as the offensive line. JP Naranjo will anchor that group at center after a strong season as guard last year.

Dominic Hernandez is also expected to be a factor up front.

“That will be an important group for us,” Robinson said.

“We want them to have a blue-col-

lar mentality, carrying that old-school lunchbox around, and they have bought into that.”

On defense, Carson Simmons, who started the team’s final four games last year, is expected to step in at linebacker while Jacob Betancur and Logan Bartlett will also provide experience and leadership. Casarez may also see action at linebacker while Sandoval will man free safety. Noah Salas is back at one corner while Hernandez and Michael Calzada should be set on the defensive line.

“Defensively, we feel like we have a lot of experience back from last year,” Robinson said. “We have to go execute.”

Last season, little things caught up with the Eagles, especially down the stretch in games. That’s something Robinson hopes can be eliminated this time around.

“We have to tackle better,” he said. “We were in a lot of games last year and played good defense, but in the fourth quarter there were plays we just didn’t stop them because we didn’t finish tackles. We’ve spent a lot of time in practice

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Carter Robinson (1st year).

Assistant coaches: Shelbie Lopez, Rustin Keith, Jake Sniffin, Troy Moses, Clete Knippa, Matt Daniel, Brad Raven, Julio Rodriguez.

2022 record: 4-7, 2-3 in District 4-3A Division II. Playoffs: Lost 70-8 to Canadian in bi-district round.

fixing that.

“The other thing is ball security. We had games where we were running the ball well. They would score and then we’d score. Then, boom, we’d fumble and momentum would swing. We have to control the game, keep the ball as long as possible. That will help us be successful. Ball security and better tackling are the two most important things for our football team.”

evelt; District 4-3A opponents know what’s coming and it’s not a pass to the top

From Left, #3 - Bram Raven, #24 Angel Olivares,#4 - Sebastian Sandoval, #10 - Logan Bartlett, #7 - Nate Casarez.

ROSTER

NAME POS CL

Cruz Navarro QB-DB Sr.

Keyandre Jefferson WR-DB Jr.

Ian Vergara RB-DB Sr.

Jamarion Reed RB-LB Sr.

Corey Blacklock WR-DB Sr.

Colin Carson WR-DL Sr.

EJ Soto WR-DB Jr.

Joey Ward WR-OLB Jr.

Bryan Saucedo OL-DL Jr.

Alejandro Rodriguez OL-DL Sr.

Mason Wright OL-LB So.

Daevyne Barboza OL-DL Jr.

Cooper Osborn OL-DL Jr.

Stephen Gamoneda OL-DL Jr.

Gabe Perez OL-DL Jr.

Nathan Jones OL-LB Jr.

Caden Hawkins RB-LB Jr.

Colton Hawkins RB-LB So.

Branson Harris WR-DB Sr.

Brock Cheek OL-DL Sr.

Sebastian Martinez OL-DL Jr.

Donta Osbourne WR-DB Jr.

Johnny Paul Winkle OL-DL Jr.

Michael Tadlock RB-LB Sr.

SCHEDULE

HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS

Aug. 25 at Brownfield 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 FORSAN 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Littlefield 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 ABERNATHY 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 SLATON 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Olton* 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 TAHOKA* 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Sundown* 7 p.m.

Oct. 27 FLOYDADA* 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 at New Deal* 7 p.m.

BY DOUG HENSLEY

Photography by The Ola Media Group

Post coach John Wright can already see a huge difference between the run-up to the start of last season and the right here,right now.

“We have a full coaching staff in place this year,” he said. “This time last year, we were running on a skeleton staff, and we were still installing our offense going into the first game.” That feeling of not quite being caught up never went away.

As a result, the Antelopes struggled in 2022, finishing with a 2-8season that left them on the outside looking in as far aspostseason play. A year later, things are in place as Post goes about the business of repositioning itself as one of the premier programs on the South Plains. After all, it was only three seasons ago that the Bold Gold fell to Shiner in the Class 2A Division I state championship game.

“We’re happy about where we are compared to this time last year,” Wright said. “We’ve made a lot of improvements in everything we do, and we’re excited about the season.”

That is the prevailing sentiment throughout the program asthe Antelopes are now familiar with terminology, schemes andexpectations.

“When you know the path, it’s a lot easier to walk it,” Wright said. “That’s what we experienced in the spring when we pickedup after track season.

There wasn’t a lot of re-teaching, and we were able to focus on getting better at what we do rather thanlearning from ground zero again.”Likewise, Wright is optimistic about the incoming class of Antelopes, who will provide the program with much-needed depth.

“The freshman class of athletes that we’re bringing in could have almost 40 kids in

Second-year coach Jon Wright only has one vision Post Back to

*Denotes District Game

From left, #4- Keyandre Jefferson, #9 - Ian Vergara, #53- Mason Wright, #10- Jamarion Reed, #52- Alejandro Rodriguez

it,” Wright said. “That will allow us to carry three full teams this year: varsity, junior varsity and freshman. It’s uplifting to go out there and see that we’re more comfortable overall as a program.”

Whether that comfort level stays in place will depend on how improved Post is offensively. The power-spread attack the Antelopes operate out of can confound opponents when it’s clicking. One of the key players being counted on is tailback Ian Vergara, who motored for more than 1,300 all-purpose yards as a sophomore last season.

“We were very young on offense last season,” Wright said. “We had 10 sophomores and a freshman starting. We’ve got our whole offensive line back, and there are some real bright spots there for us.”

One of the brightest is Mason Wright, the team’s center who is back after breaking a wrist last season. Joey Ward is expected to man one receiver spot while Cruz Navarro was impressive during summer workouts.

“For

us to be successful, especially early on, one of the things we have to do is develop our offensive identity and stay with it,” Wright said. “We have to figure out who we are and then make first downs and touchdowns. We played good enough defense to win last year, but offensively, we were on a massive growth curve.”

Defensively, new coordinator Hayden Patterson takes over and continues Post’s reliance upon an odd-man front. He has plenty of experience to work with, including Wright, who was the team’s leading tackler a year ago. Gabe Perez is expected tobe a leader on the defensive line, and Jamarion Reed is a key performer at outside linebacker. Keyandre Jefferson, moving from corner to safety, should also provide leadership.

“There’s this old coach’s saying that you lose a game for every sophomore you

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: John Wright (2nd season)

Assistant coaches: Hayden Patterson, Jordan Aguilar, ZacharyBrown, Cody Dean, Michael Maldonado, Jeremy Matus, Kourtney Mosley

Last season: 2-8, 1-4 in District 2-2A Division

have on varsity,” Wright said. “We went 2-8 and we had four season-ending injuries to two-way starters. We were already young, but then we had to recreate positions. Now we are rich in experience, but we had to do that out of necessity.”

vision for his Antelopes and that is to return to premier status as program to the top

Trinity Christian embarks on new era under Riley White with its sites set on remaining a power in TAPPS Division III

The 2023 version of the Trinity Lions will be led by #4 - Eli Davis, #3 - Eli Reeves #2 -Joshua Marrero and # 5 - Benjamin Bruce

BY RANDY ROSETTA Photography by The Ola Media Group

It’s not like Riley White didn’t know what he was getting into. He did, after all, have a front-row seat to another spectacular Trinity Christian season as the offensive coordinator in 2022.

So when Kevin Spiller retired and tossed the keys to the Lions evolving juggernaut to White, the dynamic Alabama native went into his new job with eyes wide-open.

Namely, White and Trinity will step into the present without a major part of the recent past after Marcus Ramon-Edwards graduated and took an incredible legacy with him to Texas Tech.

Ramon-Edwards slashed opposing defenses for 1,541 rushing yards as a senior and plowed into the end zone 31 times to help the Lions claim their first-ever district championship and another trip to the TAPPS Division III state semifinals. He supplied 44% of Trinity’s total offense despite defenses designed to slow him down.

Filling those shoes is a monumental task, yes. But there won’t be any wallowing in self-pity for the Lions as they make a transition from Spiller’s run-dominant scheme to White’s more diverse spread option attack.

The good news is that the quarterback who played a key role in helping make Ramon-Edwards’ final season his most productive is back for one more season. Eli Reeves stepped in as the triggerman last season and was a physical and fearless runner on the way to 917 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground to earn Hub CityPreps. com

SCHEDULE

Trinity Christian A Lion’s

second-team all-city honors. Now Reeves, along with fullback Eli Davis and receiver Joshua Marrero, take center stage as the focal points of an offense that will take on a much different personality.

“There is no way to downplay losing Marcus and Coach Spiller did a great job of utilizing in the offense we ran,” White said. “But for us, the guys who got to play on those teams with him who are now juniors and seniors are going to get more opportunities to get the ball in their hands and create an offense that may be harder to stop in some ways. We’re going to focus on getting the ball in playmakers’ hands in space and let them work.”

And it all begins with Reeves, who managed to throw for 565 yards and 11 scores as a junior. A twoway starter who will key the defense from a safety spot (57 tackles, 4 interceptions in 2022), Reeves has blossomed into a strong leader as well.

“He looks like a guy who has played quarterback now,” White said. “There is no way to duplicate the experience he gained in those 13 games last season. He was already a very smart player, but he really enhanced his football intelligence and vision on the field last year. He has the ability to do all the things we need him to do that set him up to be a star for us.”

That to-do list is heavy on getting the ball to Davis, Marrero and particularly Benjamin Bruce –the Lions’ most athletic player who has shined in the track and field

since he was a freshman.

Hayden Rowden and Deacon Highley are also vying for snaps at receiver spots, while big Andrew Kincaid could present some intriguing wrinkles from the tight end spot.

“We have plenty of weapons to get the ball to,” White said. “Defensive coordinators would rather have to try to stop one guy – even as dominant as Marcus was – then four or five. We’re excited to see what we can do.”

Besides the obvious loss in the backfield, graduation hit the Lions hardest up front. Rebuilding the offensive line starts with returning starters Brown Mercer and James Isaacson. Senior Ben Backus is also slated to starter and Colin McKinnon is poised to claim another spot. Kincaide could slide inside to tackle.

That same group will be in the rotation on the defensive front, along with Javion Ramon-Edwards, the sophomore younger brother of Trinity’s former star. The middle of the Lions’ defense is in good hands with twin brothers Rhett Highley and Deacon Highley, two sophomores who carved a niche in 2022. Where Trinity figures to be strongest on that side of the ball is the secondary, where four starters are back: Bruce and Marrero at

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Riley White (1st season)

Assistant Coaches: Clint McDonald, Conner Cowart, Kory Sparks, Curtis Moore, Shannon O’Pry, Cameron O’Donnell, Josh Allen, Devin Rocha, Colt Scott, Sam Stewart 2022 record: (overall/district): 10-3, 5-0 (1st place in TAPPS Division III-District 1) Last playoff appearance: 2022 – beat McKinney Christian 42-0 in the area round; beat Grace Prep 56-14 in the regional round;

the corners, Reeves and Davis at safety.

“Defense is always going to be where we hang our hat,” Riley said. Trinity allowed a city-low 193.3 total yards per game last season with four shutouts and four other games when the foe scored 10 points or fewer.

“With the guys we have back on that side of the ball, we feel like it’s going to be hard to score a lot of points against us.”

That figures to get tested by a rugged slate of foes that begins with a rematch against UIL Class 2A Division II state champion Albany in the opener. Trinity also faces New Deal and Denver City on the road before embarking on District 1 play, then closing out with a non-district road game at TAPPS Division II power Argyle Liberty Christian, which handed the Lions one of their two regular-season losses in 2022.

Lion’s Heart

ROSTER

NAME POS. CL.

Joseph Fernihough WR-DB Sr.

Brylan Cunningham RB-DB Fr.

Josh Rogers WR-LB Sr.

Zane Horn WR-DB Jr.

Luke Lee WR-DB Sr.

Welker Horn QB-DB Jr.

Hays Hubik WR-DB So.

Drew Clausen QB-DB Fr.

Cooper Carthel WR-DB So.

Barrett Lee WR-DB Jr.

Keaton Lee WR-DB So.

Wyatt Witherington TE-LB Sr.

Kurt Royal RB-LB Jr.

Josh Haley RB-LB So.

Thatcher Christ WR-LB So.

Ryan Richardson QB-DB Fr.

Dai Dai Atkins RB-LB So.

Garrett Crow WR-DB So.

Brady Simmons RB-LB Sr.

Paden McQuaig WR-DB Fr.

Elan Martinez RB-DB Fr.

Owen Cannon WR-DB So.

Jackson Doyle QB-DB Fr.

Jarrett Castleman TE-LB Jr.

Jack Gibbs WR-DB So.

Kamal Atkins RB-LB Fr.

Cole Hawley WR-LB Fr.

Ben Bowser TE-LB Fr.

Taye Brooks OL-DL Sr.

Matt Pascuzzi OL-LB Sr.

Eren Deleon OL-DL Fr.

Ben Hawley OL-DL Sr.

Samuel Sumners OL-DL Fr.

Axel Grelhesl OL-DL Fr,

Will Cox OL-DL Jr.

Garrett Johnson OL-DL Fr.

Major Tucker OL-DL So.

Chay Driskill OL-DL Jr.

Drew Daniel OL-LB Jr.

Daniel Grimstead OL-DL Sr.

Pete Amos OL-DL Fr.

Dominic Olivas OL-DL Fr.

Easton Petrie OL-DL Sr.

Austin Dunkle OL-DL Jr.

Landry Stephens OL-DL So.

Luke Johnson OL-DL Fr.

Lincoln Skelton OL-DL Jr.

Stetson Haden OL-DL So.

Chaston Stewart OL-DL Fr.

Hudson Campbell OL-DL Fr.

Tryston Banister WR-DB Jr.

Blaze Bozeman WR-DB Fr.

Colson Dyess WR-DB Fr.

SCHEDULE

HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS

Aug. 26 Austin Hyde Park (at McMurry University) 6 p.m.

Sept. 1 WELLINGTON 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 BOVINA 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 WACO REICHER* 6 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Muenster Sacr. Heart* 6 p.m.

Oct. 6 WEATHERFORD CHRISTIAN * 7 p.m.

Oct. 14 Bishop Gorman (at Breckenridge HS)* 2 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Dall. First Baptist Aca* 6 p.m.

Oct. 27 FW TEMPLE CHRISTIAN* 6 p.m.

Nov. 3 at FW Mercy Culture Prep* 7 p.m.

*Denotes District Game

BY RANDY ROSETTA Photography by The Ola Media Group

Winning at the highest level can change things –give players and coaches a new outlook on things. Maybe even a different approach the next time around. But that won’t be the case for Lubbock Christian this season, the first after the Eagles scaled the mountain in TAPPS Division IV for the first time in 18 years.

For a program built on the foundation of a “Max Out” mentality, the outcome isn’t about

to affect how Lubbock Christian goes about things.

A dominant postseason run culminated with the Eagles dismantling fellow TAPPS power Shiner St. Paul 57-20 in the state championship game last December, the program’s first since 2004 and the first under coach Chris Softley.

As natural as it might seem to bask in that glory ever since, Lubbock Christian stuck to the tried and true, with just about every player who played a key role in that romp also competing in other sports and contributing to a Henderson Cup championship year when the Eagles also won a state crown in basketball, sent the baseball team to the state semifinals and were in the hunt for a state title in track and field.

“We don’t have to worry about talking more or less about being content with what we accomplished last year because the way we approach everything we do is to just be consistent,” said Softley, the dean of city coaches as he enters his eighth season.

“That’s all our kids know.

Dominant debut season in Division IV sets the Lubbock Christian Eagles

the tone for the Eagles to emerge as a major TAPPS powerhouse

That’s what the standard is every year and in everything we do.

And last year, with a senior class that went into the season with a heavy dose of motivation after a state semifinal stunner the year before, the Eagles were simply better than anybody else. The lone hiccup in a 12-1 season was when standout quarterback/linebacker Bax Townsend was on the shelf with an ankle injury. Once Townsend got back to work, Lubbock Christian averaged 57.3 points over its final seven games.

Now, though, the Eagles are tasked with turning the page after nine seniors graduated and left plenty of spots to fill. The good news is that a new senior crew, many of whom have been in the program since Softley arrived, is eager for a chance to leave a legacy – plus a junior quarterback who has all the tools he needs.

Six starters return on each side of the ball, with most of the seniors filling roles on both sides of the ball.

Two of the most athletic Eagles lead the way on offense: Brady Simmons is back after racking up 1,423 all-purpose yards and 17 touchdowns, while Luke Lee emerged as a go-to receiver with 32 catches for a team-best 555 yards and 10 scores. Joe Fernihough and Josh Rogers look to increase

their presence on offense after snaring 26 and 12 receptions, respectively in 2022.

Up front, four seniors are set to form the line: Taye Brooks, Daniel Grimstead, Kurt Royal and Ben Hawley, who moves into the trenches after operating at fullback as a junior. Chase Driskill and Matt Pascuzzi, a senior transfer from Albuquerque, will also vie for snaps.

Welker Horn inherits the quarterback job after spending his sophomore campaign as Townsend’s understudy – with the one start. Horn was a starter at tight end and made an impact with four touchdown grabs among his 15 catches and passed for 552 yards and seven TDs.

As prolific as Lubbock Christian’s offense was all last season, the defense proved to be equally effective. The Eagles allowed only 196 yards a game during the regular season and didn’t permit a point in the postseason until the state title game.

Headlining the crew of two-way starters who will key the defense are Grimstead on the d-line and Hawley at linebacker (62 and 61 tackles, respectively, last season), with Fernihough (team-high four interceptions), Lee (53 tackles, three interceptions), Simmons (37 stops) and Rogers (36)

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Chris Softley (8th season)

Assistant coaches: Tyler Fleet, Ches Tucker, Curt Softley, Jordan Terry (outside linebackers), Kadison Rogers, David Temples, Cash Howard, Alex Timmons

2022 record (overall/district): 12-1, 6-1 (Tie for 1 st place in TAPPS Division IVDistrict 1)

Last playoff appearance: 2022 – beat Central Texas Christian 52-0 in regional round; beat Brazos Christian 65-0 in state semifinals; beat Shiner St. Paul 57-20 in state championship game.

slated to fill out the secondary.

Brooks emerged late last season up front and will be joined there by Driskell and Pascuzzi. Sophomore DaiDai Atkins is vying for time at an end spot where his athleticism could add a new wrinkle.

Soaring

From left, #1-Joseph Fernihough, #24- Brady Simmons, #4- Luke Lee, and #2- Josh Rogers. The four make up one of best defensive secondaries in TAPPS football across the state.

Brazos Beck WR-DB Sr.

Nevin Mojica RB-DB Sr.

SCHEDULE

HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS

Aug. 25 HASKELL 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 at Colorado City 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 HALE CENTER 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Floydada 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 ROSCOE 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Seagraves* 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 SMYER* 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 PLAINS* 7 p.m.

Oct. 27 MORTON* 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Ropes* 7 p.m.

*Denotes

BY DOUG HENSLEY Photography by The Ola Media Group

It was an amazing athletic year for New Home in 2022-23. The Leopards were not only the last area team standing in football, but also in boys basketball and baseball. The team reached the state semifinals in all three sports, rarefied high school athletic air indeed.

So what do you do for an encore? New Home’s run last year certainly sparked attention as the Leopards are ranked as high as No. 3 in some statewide pre-season polls. With the great success of last year comes great expectations for this year. “We’re blessed with really good athletes who are also good kids,” New Home coach Jon Ward said. “It’s tough to sit here and say we need to raise the bar, but we feel like if we continue to do the things that got us where we were last year, focus on us and worry

about what we can control, we have an opportunity to be pretty good again this year.”

Much remains to be seen, but the Leopards have talented players returning and the confidence that comes from a season that ended with them playing December football. New Home finished the year 13-2, falling to eventual state champion Albany in the Class 2A Division 2 state semifinals.

Now in his fifth season since arriving from Winters, Ward has built the Leopards into a powerhouse program, employing a lethal spread offense and a stingy defense to get the job done.

“We are fortunate to have mature athletes,” Ward said. “They understand that as much success as we had last year, if you overlook someone or don’t prepare your hardest, you can get beat. We constantly focus on getting better every day in practice, and hopefully good things will happen come November and December.”

Caleb Cook is back to direct the team’s offensive attack. The junior threw for more than 3,000 yards a year ago and will once again have Logan Addison as a weapon at his disposal. Addison amassed almost 1,200 rushing yards last season.

Success of 2022 has target on Leopards’ backs, who New Home Building

District Game

From left, #0-Brazos Beck, #4-Nevin Mojica, #13-Caleb Cook, #24-Logan Addison (with ball), #65-Connor Smith, #7-Dane Armes, #71-Zach Miller, #3-Graham Keys.

who put in the work this summer with goal to again be playing in winter

Additionally, the team returns four offensive linemen as well as several others who saw playing time. Tight end Dane Armes, a three-year starter is another player New Home will count on for production. “Dane can move and block, and we’re going to look to take advantage of that this year,” Ward said. If there is an area of concern, it might be at wide receiver. It’s not that the Leopards are without candidates. It’s only that they don’t have many proven performers after Brazos Beck. The Leopards lost Jackson Raines and Brady Brown from last year’s team.

“We’re unproven at receiver,” Ward said. “After Brazos Beck, we have two spots to fill with a platoon of guys, so we’re going to have to figure out who can step up. We have young guys with an opportunity to play, so we’ll see what happens. We feel like we have more than capable guys. We just have to plug the right guys into the right

spots.”Defensively, the Leopards return seven starters with an area of worry at cornerback.

“Our defense really played hard every week last year,” Ward said. “We have a couple of questions at cornerback, but Brazos Beck is at safety, and we have depth at the defensive line, which should be an advantage for us.” Ward said the coaching staff had an idea early on that the Leopards could have a special season last year. “Believe it or not, when we sat down as a staff and looked at what we had, we thought we had a team capable of making the state quarterfinals,” he said. “We shared that vision with our guys, and they bought it into. They did a great job answering the call and achieving those goals.”

This year is different as the Leopards are a proven commodity and won’t sneak up on opponents.

“We can’t sitback and say any week will be an easy win,” Ward

TEAM INSIGHTS

Head coach: Jon Ward (5th season)

Assistant coaches: Stevan Keys, Pake Freeman, Wade McClintock, Tanner Mudd, Jess Wall Last season: 13-2 overall (5-0 in District 4-2A Division II).

Playoffs: Defeated Hale Center 49-8 in bi-district round; defeated Sunray 22-21 in area round; defeated Clarendon 14-8 in regional round; defeated Wellington 35-20 in regional final; lost to Albany 53-25 in state semifinals.

said. “Seagraves will be improved, and they were toughand physical last year. Ropes has a new coach who has lit a fire nder them and will get them rolling. Smyer will be improved. Morton will be improved, and Plains, those guys just always play so hard. We can’t sit there and take any week off. Things may not always go our way, but if we play together, I feel like we should be a pretty tough team to beat.”

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