It’s been 10 years since the traditionally rich 1-3A DII Childress Bobcats found themselves playing in December. With a highly touted senior class, impressive speed and eight players returning on both sides of the ball, head coach Jason Sims is looking to lead the Cats back to being a formidable opponent in the playoffs in 2016.
“There’s not too many teams who have come through Childress who have as much speed as this group,” stated Sims. “Aside from the speed, this senior class wants to win and win often.”
To get those wins, the Cats will be tested and tested often. Childress will face four non-district top 20 teams in 2-2A DII Wellington, 6th, 1-2A DI Panhandle, 20th, 1-3A DI Muleshoe, 14th, and 5-3A DII Henrietta, 19th.
The district opener could very well crown the district champion as Childress welcomes two-time defending state champion Canadian Wildcats to their district. The Wildcats are third in the top 20 preseason poll.
The Bobcats have plenty of offensive weapons, two of whom boast 4.4 second 40-yard dash times. Running back Bo Lott, 5’6” 170 lbs, and halfback Alfonso Salinas, 5’11” 165 lbs were members of the state qualifying 4×100 and 4×200 meter relay team and both broke 15 year-old school track records in the spring.
Lott set the new school record in the 100 meter dash with a 10.5 while Salinas broke the 200 meter record with a 21.96, which was held by former All State running back Michael Brisco. Last season, Lott rushed for 1,006 yards and nine touchdowns while Salinas picked up 568 yards and three touchdowns.
A new face will lead the offense this season as quarterback Luke Darter, 6-foot 175 lbs, steps up to take the snaps for the Cats.
“Luke could have very well started for us last season,” Sims said. “He brings a couple more things to the table in that position this year.” Sims continued saying, “Darter is faster and bigger than last year’s quarterback (Bryce Bowman) and has an unbelievable grasp on our offense.”
Sims said he would not be surprised to see Darter have a breakout season for the Bobcats his senior year.
The Cats will also look to wide receiver Garrett Stephens, 5’10” 170 lbs, who made some stellar grabs last season on his way to 552 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The defense has their own share of speed as defensive end Cam Garcia, 5’10” 205 lbs, posted a 4.5 second 40-yard dash time while defensive end Thomas Adams, 5’11” 180 lbs, and outside lineback Caleb Tucker, 5’10” 170 lbs, each posted a 4.6 second 40-yard dash time. Lott and Salinas will also see time on the defensive side of the ball with Lott at outside linebacker and Salinas at safety.
Middle linebacker Felix Garza, 5’9” 215 lbs, picked up 85 tackles last season while defensive back Joe Dan Gambol, 5’11” 150 lbs, and Tate Wofford, 6-foot 215 lbs, will add depth to the defense with their nose for the ball.
Lamont Richmond and Reymundo Longoria rounded out the 4×100 and 4×200 state qualifier teams and will both see time at safety and cornerback, respectively.
“We are going to be fine on defense,” affirmed Sims. “One of the things that cost us the playoff game to Denver City last year was allowing them to push us all over the field. That’s not going to happen this year.”
The Cats will go back to a four man front in 2016 with Rhett Buckley and Austin McCarty anchoring the line. Both weigh in at over 250 and are 500 pound squatters. The offensive line will not be huge, but that doesn’t concern Sims. “This nature of offense, your guys don’t have to be huge. We have a few guys who can squat over 400 pounds on the line and everyone of them have been working hard during summer workouts.”
The pressure will undoubtedly be on as Childress takes the field this season. Since 2009, the Cats are 36-39 with one playoff win and two playoff appearances. “Expectations are huge,” ended Sims.
