Smithson Valley Rangers
Head Coach: Larry Hill (33rd season; 315-91 record)
Last Season: 14-2; 6-1 in district (Defeated Highland Park in 5A Division I State Title Game)
Smithson Valley Key Players and Storylines
After being blown out by Aledo in the 2023 5A Division I State Title Game, Smithson Valley wasn’t going to let another chance slip away. The Rangers brought home their first state title in school history last December with a 32-20 victory over Highland Park in the 5A Division I Title Game.
Now, the question is how can they go about trying to defend that title. Their prolific backfield duo of quarterback Cade Spradling and running back Brad Sowersby graduated, but the defense is mostly in tact.
It’ll all start in the trenches with SMU commit defensive end Hudson Woods, UTEP commit defensive tackle Justin Roberts (79 tackles, 15 TFLs), and defensive end/linebacker Caleb Barrow (64 tackles, five sacks). Woods was his district’s Defensive MVP last year.
Junior Season:
-66 Tackles
-13 Sacks
-29 QB Hurries
-20 TFL
-3 FF
-4 Batted Balls
Full highlights -> https://t.co/q6XGbMrube pic.twitter.com/GZCxhxJN4p— ♱ 𝓗𝓾𝓭𝓼𝓸𝓷 𝓦𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓼 ♱ (@Hudson_Woods12) December 23, 2024
Behind them, linebacker Caleb Peagler was all over the field, finishing with 131 total tackles on the season. He can also play some running back as well. Speedy junior Hunter Haug will be an impact player at both cornerback and receiver.
Offensively, junior quarterback Ty Knutson is more than ready to take over the offense. He’s attracting Division I interest. Right tackle Aiden Verette will lead his protection on the offensive line. He was a first team all-district selection last season.
The Rangers have some skill talent to replace, but the defense looks set to have another strong campaign after allowing just 12 points per game last season. Defense wins championships, and Smithson Valley will hope that proves to be the case for them this season.
