Things looked bleak for the 2-2A D-II Memphis Cyclones heading into district play in 2015. Memphis posted a 1-4 nondistrict record and were outscored by their opponents 174-97.
During the off week, second year head coach Brad Woods turned his team around, rolling off three consecutive wins and securing the third playoff spot. Woods and the Cyclones shocked their district and the Panhandle as they battled their way to the quarterfinals before falling to Seagraves 45-14. In January, the Cyclones were named the Surprise Team of the Year by the Amarillo Globe News.
With a taste of what it’s like to win in the post season and the bulk of their offense and defense returning (9 offensive, 8 defensive) the Cyclones could pull off a magical season as they are very well poised to become the dark horse of 2A in 2016.
Up front, Memphis offers great protection for returning QB Nick Adame (6′, 220) with a stout offensive line averaging 230 pounds. Adame is not the fastest QB in the district, but has the strength to fight off defenders and make the play happen. Adame was critical to the Cyclones on both sides of the ball as he earned 1st team All-District accolades last season.
The workhouse on offense is RB David Dickson (5’11, 225) who rushed for 2,299 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Dickson’s size makes him a tough back to bring down and can often drag defenders while battling for extra yardage.
WR/DB Clifford Byrd (5’11, 160) had an impressive showing for Memphis as a sophomore. Byrd was the 22A Newcomer of the Year and is a force on defense. Marking a 4.6 40 and good hands, Byrd is yet another weapon in the Cyclones’ offensive and defensive scheme.
The Memphis defense will be led by LB Matthew Haase (6’2, 165) who was a 1st team All-District selection last year as a junior. Haase picked up 88 tackles last season and will team up with LB Andrew Alexander (5’11, 190) in hopes of snagging another deep playoff run.
However, before Memphis begins thinking about the playoffs, they will need to get through a tough district 2-2A D-II, which includes Wellington, Crosbyton, Clarendon, Lockney and Ralls. Last season, the Cyclones dropped their final two games of district play to Crosbyton and Clarendon.
This year, the Wellington Skyrockets join Memphis in the district. There’s no love lost between the Cyclones and Skyrockets, who have been rivals long before any of the players on this year’s teams were born. In fact, the Cyclone seniors were in third grade the last time Memphis defeated Wellington, so this year’s match up should be one for the books.
