The Kennedale Wildcats made school history last year and went to unprecedented heights as they advanced to the state semifinals and played in 15 games for the first time. Despite the tremendous and memorable year Kennedale was able to produce, there remains the slimmest margin of improvement for Kennedale in the form of one game.
One game stood between Kennedale appearing in its first state title game, but Abilene Wylie would be the team that finally put a stop to Kennedale’s historic run by defeating them 21-13 as they would go on to compete against the eventual state champion in Carthage. Kennedale finished 2016 as the district champs with an 11-4 total record and have their total win-loss record since 2014 stands at a superb 35-6.
Of course with every year that comes and goes, there will be certain players that will not be returning and perhaps Kennedale is one of the rarer cases that despite the enormous amount of talent leaving the expectations have now become higher with how much still remains. Kennedale is a team that is on the verge of winning a state title with 15 starters returning from last year’s team and if one thing is for sure, Kennedale will simultaneously be the hunter and the hunted come 2017.
Key Losses
LB Baron Browning, DL Gjemar Daniels, TE Tyler Alphin, DL Aaron Williams, DL Cody Gillespie
There isn’t much more needed to be said about how much of an impact Baron Browning made on the field, of course the void left by him will be enormous. His defensive teammates Gjemar Daniels, Aaron Williams and Cody Gillespie were all a force to be reckoned as they anchored one of the more fearful defenses in the state.
Tight end Tyler Alphin was not only a formidable option at receiver but he also helped a Kennedale offense that produced a 1,000-yard rusher and a 2,000-yard rusher.
Key Returners
QB Evan Jowers, OL Andrew Flanagan, RB DJ Kirven, RB Jaden Knowles David Roper Jr., ATH/LB LB Devan Mason, CB Larry Brooks
The list of names on here give a sample of just how talented this Kennedale team will be. Evan Jowers as a sophomore threw for 361 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for 660 yards and 11 touchdowns. Jowers is just one of a multi-pronged rushing attack that will be imposing its will on opposing defenses led by offensive lineman Andrew Flanagan and company.
Jaden Knowles will be returning after rushing for 1,557 yards and 14 touchdowns and let’s not forget his running mate DJ Kirven who will be returning as well after rushing for 2,060 and 14 touchdowns. David Roper, Devan Mason and Larry Brooks will be headlining a defense that returns seven starters from last year’s team.
The Verdict
Simply put…when it comes to Kennedale, get your popcorn ready cause its fixing to be a season you want to watch every play of the way. Be ready for Kennedale football from August through December.
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