It seemed kind of strange that Argyle didn’t play for a state championship last year. And why not? The Eagles played for one every year from 2013-15. They won it in 2013 and then lost a double-overtime heartbreaker to Navasota in 2014. In 2015 they lost to La Vega, 33-31.
Argyle went 11-1 in 2016, with its only loss to eventual 4A DI state runner-up Abilene Wylie in the third round. The Eagles are back in 2017 and pose one of the biggest threats to reclaim the state championship.
Coach Todd Rodgers has another good running back in Don Williams, who ran for 1,517 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. Hayden Clearman will probably take the reins at quarterback and the Argyle offense should run smoothly again.
The defense that gave up 19 points a game in 2016 should be improved with six starters returning.
The non-district schedule this fall will be tough but manageable with Lovejoy, La Grange, Celina, Abilene Wylie and Paris.
Key Losses
QB Dane Ledford, LB Pierce Davies, DL Brett Lundy
Ledford was the district’s MVP last season and Davies was the Defensive Player of the Year. Lundy was the best defensive lineman in the district.
Key Returners
RB Don Williams, OL Preston Coyle
Don Williams piled up lots of yards and touchdowns last season, thanks in part to running behind guys like Preston Coyle (6-5, 295), who also returns. The defense will be even better in 2017 with six starters and a handful of other athletes who saw action.
The Verdict
The Eagles are locked, loaded and ready for another 16-game stretch to Jerry World. Argyle is a team that can wear down opponents. After scrimmages against Denton and Cleburne, the Eagles open the season with a pair of neutral site games. Argyle will play Lucas Lovejoy on Saturday, Sept. 2 at Allen High School’s Eagle Stadium. The following Friday they play the La Grange Leopards at The University of Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton.
The Eagles then travel to Celina, so they should be in late-season form by the home opener on Sept. 22 against, ahem, Abilene Wylie. Think the stands will be packed for that one?
Argyle finishes with three of their final four game at home before the state playoffs begin. And if history’s any indicator, coach Rodgers should have his guys ready to play into mid-to-late December. And in that part of the season, anything can happen, as the Argyle faithful know so well.
Brought to you by:
